‘Plant trees, not trouble’: Eastleigh official urges unity in climate and crime fight

Eastleigh Assistant County Commissioner Mohamed Adow Hadi has called on residents—especially those in the construction sector—to take the lead in planting trees around their buildings as part of the government’s ongoing environmental restoration campaign.

He said the initiative requires full citizen participation, noting that property developers have a key role to play in improving the neighbourhood’s environment.

Mohamed pledged to support the campaign by supplying free seedlings to anyone willing to plant trees, adding that more than 10,000 seedlings are available at Eastleigh High School for immediate distribution to residents and businesses.

“We have a big nursery at Eastleigh High School; there are more than 10,000 plants ready for planting,” he said.

He explained that tree planting is not merely voluntary but part of a national directive from President William Ruto, who has urged all Kenyans to help restore the country’s degraded environment.

Take advantage of rainy season

Mohamed encouraged residents to take advantage of the rainy season to plant trees, saying the conditions are ideal for seedlings to thrive.

He further disclosed that the government has employed more than 1,400 people under the Climate Works Initiative in Kamukunji Sub-county. Their work involves planting trees, cleaning the environment, and helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change.

According to Mohamed, the programme is part of a wider government strategy to create jobs while conserving natural resources.

President Ruto’s National Tree Planting Initiative seeks to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, aiming to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and restore 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded land.

Poor construction practices

Beyond environmental concerns, Mohamed raised the alarm over poor construction practices in Eastleigh, blaming some developers for destroying existing drainage systems during construction—an issue he said has caused recurrent flooding and road damage.

“What is missing from these roads are the drainage systems, and those drainage systems were destroyed by the developers,” he said.

He urged developers to cooperate with government departments and respect infrastructure regulations to avoid further damage.

Juvenile delinquency

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• not trouble’: Eastleigh official urges unity in climate and crime fight

Turning to matters of security, Mohamed expressed concern over the rise in juvenile delinquency in Eastleigh. He revealed that groups of young boys, some armed with knives and other weapons, have been harassing residents and traders.

He said security agencies have begun operations to identify and arrest those involved, warning that the crackdown will spare no one found carrying weapons or engaging in criminal acts.

“Anyone you see disturbing you, report him to us. If you cannot report your child who is a criminal, report the child of your neighbour who is involved in criminal activities,” he said.

Mohamed explained that the authorities will first warn the youths and give them a chance to reform, but those who refuse will be prosecuted. He stressed that parents must take responsibility for guiding their children, warning that failure to do so would invite legal consequences.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to keeping Eastleigh safe, clean, and orderly—an effort he said is vital for improving both the living and business environment in the area.