No Bark, No Meow: Why Kenyans are choosing plants as pets

Young Kenyans living in urban areas like Nairobi are increasingly turning to plants for companionship.

The potted plants are quickly replacing animal pets like cats, rabbits and dogs as friends at home.

Judith Wanjiru who lives in Kileleshwa told Wananchi Reporting that she loves potted plants and derives a lot of satisfaction from just attending to them and seeing them grow like her little babies.

“These plants are my babies. I love and adore them so much you would think we communicate and understand each other,” says Wanjiru.

“To me, these are not just plants because they benefit my life a lot. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen which benefit me. Some potted varieties can also help filter pollutants that are common in urban areas from the air near the indoors,” says Wanjiru who has since ditched animal pets.

“I had a cat but things got complicated because my hob involves a lot of travel. Sometimes I am away for weeks with no one to attend to her needs. So, I gave it up for adoption at a sanctuary where I felt she could be safe and happy,” says Wanjiru.

Wanjiru loves to buy plants. “A good potted plant costs between Ksh2,500 and Ksh11,000. The cost could go higher depending on the location of the nursery and cost of living in the surrounding neighbourhood,” she says, adding that she spends most of her time looking for varieties of plants to take home.

Kennedy Maloba, himself a plant collector, spends a lot of time with his plants. The software engineer says his plants are his best friends.

“My job can be very demanding and stressful. Spending time around green spaces helps lower my stress levels, reduces fatigue, and boosts my mood after a long day at work,” says Kennedy who keeps his plants on his balcony. 

Maloba had a dog – but not anymore.

“I love dogs, but with my nature of work, it became very difficult to keep one. It was a full-time job keeping my dog. I had to treat it all the time, and it’s not cheap. I prefer plants because I can manage and I don’t have to be present for them to grow.

To others, potted plants are for beauty and aesthetics and nothing more. The greenery adds vibrant colours creating a welcoming feel and retreat.

Wanjiru noted that her cat would catch diseases every so often after disappearing from home for days. It would come back looking emaciated. I would have to treat her, feed her and just ensure she was safe and healthy in the house.

Pets require food and other supplies; time and attention and constant home maintenance in case they damage the house, but they are good companions nonetheless.