Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a stern warning to both private developers and government agencies against unauthorized tree cutting within the city. He emphasized that those responsible for felling trees without proper approval will face arrests and financial penalties.

Speaking on the matter, Governor Sakaja highlighted that many of the trees being cut down are decades old and hold significant cultural and environmental value. He pointed out that alternatives often exist, such as relocating power lines underground, to avoid unnecessary destruction.

Restoration and Accountability

The governor stated that the Nairobi County government will hold offenders accountable by demanding compensation through tree restoration efforts. Notably, he stressed that restoration should involve planting multiple trees to replace each one removed, underlining that cutting trees without written consent is illegal.

Context of Tree Cutting in Nairobi

  • Extensive tree removal has accompanied Nairobi's infrastructure expansion, including the Nairobi Expressway project along Waiyaki Way.
  • Residential areas have also seen tree loss due to electricity infrastructure upgrades.
  • Sakaja insists that development should not compromise the city’s tree cover where redesign or relocation of infrastructure is possible.

Legal and Planning Framework

Governor Sakaja reminded that developers and service providers must obtain written approval from the county's director of environment before cutting any trees. This regulation equally applies to national government projects within the county.

He referenced discussions from the recent Devolution Summit in Homa Bay, where leaders agreed that all development projects within counties should receive clearance from local planning committees, including those by national agencies.

Supporting National Tree-Planting Goals

The governor’s firm stance aligns with Kenya’s broader environmental objectives, particularly the national campaign to plant 15 billion trees by 2030. This initiative aims to combat climate change, restore degraded land, and improve air quality.

Sakaja’s warning signals Nairobi’s commitment to enforce environmental laws strictly and ensure that infrastructure development does not undermine the city’s green spaces.