PatEE

We have a trip to South Africa, Kenya etc planned for next May. We received the following notification from our tour operator. Thought I would pass along this information for anyone heading that way that may not have received this information. Sure will miss my Zip Loc bags for packing!

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The Kenya Government has announced that from 28th August 2017 plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bring plastic bags into the country and in fact being in possession of a plastic bag will be an offence as it will now be against the law and violators could be penalized.

Visitors are advised to avoid packing any plastic bags in their suitcases or in carry-on hand luggage before flying to Kenya. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Travelers coming into Kenya with duty-free plastic shop bags will also be required to leave them at the airport under the new rules, the Kenya National Environmental and Management Authority has said.

Please check hand luggage before disembarking in Nairobi and any plastic bags should be left in the plane.
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KathBC

This will prove very awkward indeed since the UK & US require any liquids/creams in your carry on luggage be placed in a plastic bag.

PatEE

Agreed, same scenario from Canada. Also it is nice to know your small containers with liquids were not likely to leak in your luggage. This whole packing thing is boggling my mind, and this just adds one more kink. Plastic bags are so handy for dirty laundry, shoes etc.. Sigh...

JenV

I'm leaving for Kenya 10/16..not quite sure what to do with my liquid toiletries which must be placed in a ziploc for travel out of U.S. I'm traveling carry on only. I'm thinking ziploc going and toiletry case brought empty and make the switch before disembarking? This seems a bit nuts as I never leave the ziplocs I bring for travel. They always come home with me. As mentioned they are great for wet items, dirty items, toiletries or liquids to protect from leaks etc.

christabir

I understand and agree with their concerns but that's really over the top. Just bring all your plastics home and dispose of them properly, recycling them as stated on the box. Pay whatever fine they impose (unlikely) but you need the quart sized Baggie for carry ons in all airports that fly direct to/from Europe and North America. I highly doubt they'll open your checked luggage.

Only 8% of plastic manufactured annually gets recycled and large quantities end up in waterways and the ocean. Buy less, use less, reuse and recycle more. But an outright ban is impossible. Just pack as normal.

christabir

Kenya is only prohibiting manufactureres and distributors from importing/selling plastic bags. Pack as normal. I don't use agents or tour operators, thank you.

If there's a fine, of course it can be paid - what else would one do with a fine?

smh