Garissa Municipality orders mechanics off Kismayu Road to protect acacia trees
Garissa Municipality gives roadside mechanics one week to vacate Kismayu Road after oil spills and waste threaten to wipe out the town’s iconic acacia trees.
Garissa Municipality has launched a campaign to protect acacia trees along Kismayu Road following residents’ concerns over environmental degradation caused by open-air mechanical and tyre repair activities taking place beneath the trees.
The municipality has issued a one-week eviction notice to all mechanics and tyre repair operators working under the acacias, directing them to move to rented premises where their operations can be conducted safely and sustainably.
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Garissa Municipality CEO Mohamed Hassan Osman confirmed the directive, saying the decision was aimed at preventing further environmental damage.
"We have given all those carrying out mechanical activities under the acacia trees one week to vacate," said Mohamed. "This is part of our broader plan to protect the environment and promote responsible business practices."
Garissa County Director for Environment Mulki Mohamed said the activities were posing serious harm to the trees.
"Already, several trees have dried as a result of these activities. The mechanics must adhere to the directives given," she said.
Residents have welcomed the move, saying the once lush acacia trees — valued for their resilience and shade — were at risk of dying due to oil spills, grease, and other pollutants.
Community elders, led by Mzee Dubat Amey, underscored the ecological and cultural significance of the trees.
"These acacia trees have served us for decades," he said. "They provide pods, shade, and even medicine. Allowing them to die because of oil and waste is unacceptable. Authorities must act fast to save them."
Youth leader Nasteh Buraze echoed these concerns, noting that pollution from roadside garages was already taking a toll.
"The oil and waste poured on the ground are killing the trees," he said. "These are indigenous species — once they die, we can't easily replace them."
The municipality’s action forms part of a wider initiative to make Garissa cleaner and greener by enforcing environmental protection laws and encouraging businesses to operate in designated zones.
As the deadline approaches, residents hope the crackdown will revive the iconic roadside acacias — long seen as enduring symbols of Garissa’s natural beauty and resilience.
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