NEMA now bans use of plastic seedling potting bags

Edward Mutitu inspects seedlings at Nanyuki Forest Station, December 2022. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Mamo said that the research had proven that the country had the capability and availability of biodegradable bags as an alternative to plastic bags.

"You are advised to liaise with the Kenya Bureau of Standards for information on local and international standards of the biodegradable potting bags," he said.

However, members of the tree nursery growers noted that they were not involved in the directive that would affect their operations.

According to John Kuria from Aberdare in Kinangop, the directive by NEMA to use biodegradable bags was not viable and would see the number of seedlings in the nursery reduced.

He said that many of the growers had tried the biodegradable bags noting that this was impractical due to their short shelf life.

"Some of these biodegrade bags tear into pieces whenever they come into contact with water, and this will reduce the number of tree nurseries," he said.

This was echoed by another grower Jane Nduta who said that the directive would lead to an acute shortage of seedlings in the coming days.

"The growers do not have these biodegrade bags, and many will have to close business leading to a shortage of seedlings and affecting the ongoing planting of trees," she said.