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Can you take grocery plastic bags to Kenya?

No, you are not allowed to take grocery plastic bags to Kenya.  Kenya has one of the strictest plastic carrier bag bans in the world, and as of August 28, 2017, Kenyan law prohibits not only manufacturing or importing, but also possessing plastic carrier bags. 

Under this law:

  • The import, production, sale, and usage of plastic carrier bags are against the law.
  • This applies both to locals and to visitors, including tourists arriving at airports or crossing land borders

  • It is illegal to possess plastic bags of any kind, including those carried in your suitcase or handbag.

  • Passengers have been asked to surrender all plastic bags upon arrival, and customs officers may check baggage for them.

This includes single-use plastic grocery bags, retail packaging bags, and plastic bags with handles—regardless of size or thickness.

It is not even allowed to have a couple of plastic bags in your luggage (e.g. a bag you previously used for groceries at home). Passengers have been requested to give up all plastic bags on arrival, and customs officers may check passengers’ luggage for plastic bags

Penalties Are Severe

The penalties for breaking Kenya’s plastic bag law can be very steep:

  • Fines of up to KSh 4 million (approx. USD 30,000–40,000), or
  • Imprisonment for up to 4 years, or both.

While enforcement on tourists is generally lenient and you may simply be asked to dispose of your bags at the airport, the law is clear and the penalties are harsh. It is not worth the risk.

What Can You Use Instead?

Kenya encourages the use of environmentally friendly alternatives, such as:

  • Reusable cloth bags (e.g., canvas or cotton)
  • Paper bags
  • Woven baskets
  • Non-woven polypropylene bags (which are legal)

When packing for your trip:

  • Dispose of all the plastic carrier bags before traveling.
  • Do not pack single-use shopping bags, even if they are clean or folded.
  • Clarify that zip-lock bags used for carrying toiletries are generally allowed if used for personal storage and not for shopping

Are Any Plastic Bags Allowed?

Plastic bags used for industrial packaging (e.g., food, medical waste, pharmaceuticals) are exempted under specific conditions, but they must be properly labeled and used for that intended purpose.

This includes:

  • Sealed packaging used for pre-packed food
  • Plastic liners in pharmaceutical packaging
  • Certified bags used for handling hospital or laboratory waste

These bags are not meant for personal or retail use and should not be reused for general carrying purposes.

Advice for Travelers

  • Packing of plastic grocery bags in your suitcase, handbag or carry-on should not be done.
  • When you do shopping before the trip, instead of using a plastic bag, use a reusable bag.
  • Small zip-lock bags used for toiletries or personal items are generally allowed, as long as they are not used as shopping bags. However, avoid carrying single-use plastic shopping bags.
  • Following the environmental regulation policies 
  • Appreciate the fact that Kenya is serious about its plastic ban to save the environment and wildlife.

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