Parklands residents petition Nairobi County over rampant tree cutting

Parkland Residents have petitioned the Nairobi City County Government over what they describe as rampant and unjustified cutting down of trees in Parklands, Highridge and Westlands, warning that the continued loss of mature and indigenous trees is threatening the area's environmental heritage, green spaces and tree cover.

In a petition signed by Parklands Residents Association Secretary General Teddy Obiero, the residents accused the Nairobi City County Government Forestry Department of issuing tree-cutting permits without adequate site verification or assessing possible alternatives before approving the removal of trees.

"Indigenous trees, some over 50 years old, are being cut down without regard for their ecological, historical, and aesthetic value. The Nairobi City County Government Forestry Department is issuing tree-cutting permits without proper site verification or consideration of alternatives," reads the petition.

They claimed that billboard companies have taken advantage of gaps in the permit process by seeking approval to cut trees that obstruct their structures instead of finding ways to relocate the signage.

The association also raised concerns over developers, accusing some of cutting down trees that could have been preserved and included in their project designs.

The residents further alleged that some of the trees being cut down are ending up as firewood for vendors, suggesting the existence of a wider commercial network benefiting from the destruction of trees.

They noted that the removal of trees shows a lack of regard for green spaces and sustainable development within the neighbourhoods.

Through the petition, the residents have asked the county government to work with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to introduce measures aimed at protecting trees in the affected areas.

They want an immediate suspension of tree-cutting permits in Parklands, Highridge and Westlands pending an audit and the introduction of stricter verification procedures.

"Institute an immediate moratorium on tree-cutting permits in Parklands, Highridge and Westlands pending audit and stricter verification," reads the petition.

The association is also seeking investigations into the issuance of permits by the county forestry department and wants action taken against any officers found to have approved irregular tree cutting.

Residents have further called for mandatory redesign of development projects and relocation of billboard structures where necessary to protect existing trees.

They also want authorities to investigate and dismantle any alleged syndicate involving firewood vendors trading in illegally felled trees.

As part of their proposed solution, the residents have called for a rehabilitation programme to replace trees that have already been lost, with priority given to indigenous species such as Jacaranda to help restore the area's tree cover.