What Kenyans are saying after ban on plastic bags

The plastic bag ban might be the best thing that has happened to Kenyans in recent years. It has generated a new market for nylon bags and serviettes. I have myself decided to join this booming market. I ask all Kenyans to embrace this change. Brian Ngugi Muita, Kangemi.

As Kenyans face the ‘challenges’ of the plastic bag ban, the Government should adopt a three-pronged approach - target the reduction of plastic bag and bottle usage, promote alternatives (such as kiondo bags and glass), and enhance recycling initiatives. Residual byproducts of plastic bags and bottles can be recycled to be used in boilers, cement kilns, brick making, and carbon briquettes. Teaching the youth the long-lost art of making kiondos (traditional sisal bags) can boost the sisal industry in semi-arid regions and create employment. Nema should now target carbon fuel emission and disposal of tyres to create employment in the informal sector while protecting the environment. Less fuel emissions is a product of regular vehicle maintenance, zero fuel adulteration, and capping of vehicle age, all requiring multi-sector enforcement. Kenya should emulate Rwanda in striving to create a paperless economy through use of technology. Locally, KRA and some banks are leading the way in conserving our forests through use of e-stationary and recycling of envelopes. Joe Musyoki, Kitengela.