Parklands Residents Advocate for Tree Conservation in KURA Road Upgrade Plans

Parklands residents have voiced strong concerns over the potential removal of trees in the upcoming road upgrade project led by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA). During a recent consultative meeting, community members emphasized the importance of preserving existing trees and called for a comprehensive replanting strategy.

The upgrade project aims to ease traffic congestion and enhance safety at major intersections in Parklands. It will also incorporate Intelligent Transport System technology, including smart traffic signals and surveillance infrastructure. Additionally, KURA plans to establish a centralised Traffic Management Centre to oversee Nairobi’s traffic flow.

While residents support the proposed improvements, they highlighted several key issues:

• Tree preservation: Residents urged KURA to minimize tree cutting and implement a clear replanting plan to maintain the area's greenery.
• Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) facilities: Calls were made for safe, continuous infrastructure accommodating pedestrians and cyclists.
• Drainage concerns: Persistent flooding problems in Parklands need addressing to prevent exacerbation during construction.
• Environmental and animal welfare impact: Residents requested that mitigation measures be put in place to reduce negative effects on the environment and local wildlife.

KURA acknowledged these concerns and pledged to engage continuously with the community throughout the project’s duration. The Parklands Residents Association welcomed this collaborative approach, stressing that ongoing dialogue is crucial to balancing mobility improvements with preserving the neighborhood’s green and livable character.