A March To Protect Our Trees

November 9th, 2020

Dr. Paula Kahumbu addressing the crowd during the peaceful march © Joseph Kiptarus

On October 31, 2020, Kenyans from all walks of life, including the youth, children, and students led by the Daima Coalition on Green Spaces, marched to draw attention to the rampant cutting down of trees for road construction and show their opposition to the construction of the Nairobi Expressway. The peaceful march was held on the same day that World Cities Day 2020 was commemorated from Westlands, Mpaka Road Junction to City Park.

The felling of trees along Waiyaki way to provide space for the construction of the Nairobi Expressway has become an issue of great concern for the urban communities in Nairobi. The majority of urban dwellers in Nairobi not only see the value trees offer to a crowded city but are also concerned that the government is no longer keen on sustainable development.

The construction of the Nairobi Expressway has been challenged at the National Environment Tribunal (NET) based on environmental and socio-economic concerns and procedural deficiencies in the impact assessment process. However, the road project is continuing contrary to section 129 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) that requires the project to be stopped until the Appeal before the tribunal is heard. The next case hearing is on November 23rd, 2020.

Photos by © Joseph Kiptarus