Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has stopped the cutting of trees along roads in Nakuru City without approval from the county government, following public complaints over the removal of mature Jacaranda trees.
In a statement on Sunday, October 11, Kihika said the county had intervened after learning that the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), which is carrying out road works in the city, had cut trees without seeking the required approval.
She said any further tree felling would need clearance from the county government, including where the exercise is linked to road expansion.
“It’s KURA doing those roads and not Nakuru County Government. They initially didn’t seek the approvals as required before felling the trees, but once we stepped in, we stopped it, and now it can only happen with the County’s Approval,” Kihika said.
The governor added that the county would only approve the removal of trees where it was necessary for road expansion.
The move follows complaints from residents over the cutting of mature Jacaranda trees along Oginga Odinga Road and other parts of the city to make room for road works and walkways.
Some residents criticised the removal of the trees, questioning why mature trees had to be cut down to create space for pedestrians. Others raised concerns about environmental conservation and how the road projects were being handled.
The tree felling is taking place as KURA carries out city improvement works, including the construction of modern walkways intended to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
The issue has also drawn attention to similar concerns in Nairobi, where the cutting of mature trees along State House Road has angered residents and environmentalists. Reports indicate that the trees are being removed to pave the way for a possible expansion of the road into a dual carriageway.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had previously warned government agencies, contractors and private developers against cutting mature trees illegally, saying those responsible could face arrest and penalties.