KVDA Managing Director David Kimosop at a past event. [Photo: the-star.co.ke]
Local companies have been challenged to take advantage of the recent ban on plastic bags and invest in production of alternative bags using cotton and sisal.
This is in what the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) Managing Director David Kimosop says will help boost cotton and sisal farming along the Kerio Valley in the North Rift region.
Speaking in Eldoret, Monday, Kimosop welcomed the ban on plastic bags which he said will go along way towards not only conserving the environment but also creating market for locally produced sisal and cotton.
"This is a perfect opportunity that our locals investors need to grab by establishing industries that will use local materials to manufacture environment-friendly bags that can be used in packaging of sugar, meat, milk for the public," noted Kimosop.
"We already have cotton and sisal that can manufacture such bags that won't affect the environment," he added.
The KVDA director further challenged Kenyans to help the government in conserving the environment by fully embracing the ban on plastic bags which was effected on August 28.
Since the ban on plastic bags begun, fabric and manila bags have taken over the market with some traders being forced to use old newspapers in packaging products for their customers.