Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a stern warning to both private developers and government agencies against the unauthorized cutting of trees to facilitate infrastructure projects within the city.
He emphasized that many of the trees being removed are decades old and hold cultural and historical significance, making their destruction unjustifiable when alternative solutions exist.
"There are trees that are 100 years old but they are being cut because of one power line that you can relocate or put underground," Sakaja stated, adding that officials responsible for illegal tree felling will face arrest and penalties.
Accountability and Restoration
The county government will hold accountable those responsible for tree removal, requiring offenders to compensate by planting multiple trees for every one cut down. Sakaja insisted that restoration efforts must exceed simple replacement.
"A penalty must be imposed because they must restore and plant a multiple of what they have cut," he said, underscoring that no tree should be cut without official written approval.
Legal Compliance and Planning
The governor highlighted that the law mandates developers and service providers to obtain written consent from the director of environment before undertaking any tree removal. This requirement applies equally to national government projects within Nairobi.
During the recent Devolution Summit in Homa Bay, leaders agreed that all development projects within counties must secure approval from respective county planning committees, including those by national agencies.
"Any development that happens in any county must have approvals from the planning committee of those counties," Sakaja explained, emphasizing the need for adherence to environmental and planning frameworks nationwide.
Balancing Development and Environmental Conservation
The warning comes amid increased tree-cutting linked to Nairobi's rapid infrastructure expansion, such as the Nairobi Expressway construction along Waiyaki Way and electricity infrastructure extensions in emerging residential areas.
Sakaja urged that infrastructure projects be redesigned or relocated where possible to preserve mature trees and maintain Nairobi's green cover.
Supporting Kenya's National Tree Growing Initiative
The governor's firm stance aligns with Kenya’s ambitious goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2030, a campaign launched in December 2022 aimed at combating climate change, restoring degraded lands, and improving air quality.
By enforcing strict penalties and restoration requirements, Sakaja signals the county's commitment to protecting Nairobi’s environment amid ongoing development.
