This year, the country will mark World Environment Day by banning single-use plastic in protected natural areas.

Following a presidential directive on last year's World Environment Day, the ban will come into effect on 5 June 2020 in National Parks, beaches, forests and conservation areas, which means visitors will no longer be able to carry plastic water bottles, cups, disposable plates, cutlery, or straws into protected areas.

"By banning single-use plastics in its parks and protected areas, Kenya joins the rest of the world in setting the agenda for the sustainable management of waste in conformity with this year's World Environment Day theme," said Juliette Biao, Africa region director at UNEP.

"Only 3 years after Kenya introduced one of the world's most efficient laws on single-use plastic bags, this latest measure provides the necessary momentum as nothing exemplifies nature better than our wildlife and biodiversity."

This ban is yet another first in addressing the plastic pollution catastrophe facing Kenya and the world, and we hope that it catalyses similar policies and actions from the East African community," Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, said.