The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has called out Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli following his suggestion that the Nairobi National Park be cleared to accommodate the growing population in Nairobi.
Speaking on Sunday, June 22, Atwoli called for the relocation of wildlife from the park to the Maasai Mara, arguing that the land could be better used.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 24, ISK has condemned the comments, terming them irresponsible coming from someone of Atwoli’s stature.
"Such remarks are reckless, ill-informed, and deeply alarming, especially coming from a leader of Mr. Atwoli's stature. Nairobi National Park, the world's only wildlife sanctuary located within a capital city, is a priceless ecological, cultural, and national asset. Proposing its destruction for speculative development not only undermines decades of conservation efforts, but also directly contradicts Kenya's commitments to sustainable development and environmental protection, including obligations under Article 42 and Article 69 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantee every person the right to a clean and healthy environment and place a duty on the state to sustainably manage natural resources.
"These remarks go against the government's efforts on natural resource management including formation of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, and the increasing need to start documenting natural capital values of Kenya and to leverage them for climate change funds," the statement read.
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ISK drew parallels between Atwoli's remarks and previous controversial suggestions that disregarded environmental law.
The institution warned that this was not an isolated incident, but a trend in which protected areas are increasingly targeted for commercialisation.
“Atwoli's statement evokes disturbing echoes of past, careless suggestions such as a 2018 proposal by a politician to relocate a river rather than demolish buildings illegally erected on riparian land. These utterances reflect a broader and growing disregard for environmental governance, land use planning, and respect for natural heritage.
“ISK notes with concern that these remarks are not isolated. There appears to be a systemic erosion of ecological safeguards, as evidenced by ongoing attempts to commercialize protected areas without due process," the statement added.
As such, ISK has called on the country to adhere to sustainable land use policies and consult qualified professionals when making decisions that impact the environment.
“There is need for the country to adopt and strictly enforce sustainable land use principles as outlined under SDG 15: Life on Land, which calls for sustainable management of forests, halting desertification, reversing land degradation, and preserving biodiversity. Kenya must not trade its natural ecosystems for short-term infrastructural gains," the statement further read.
ISK also urged media houses to play a more responsible role by relying on credible experts when covering or commenting on matters relating to land development.
“The media fraternity should consult qualified professionals and experts in land use, environment, and planning when reporting or seeking commentary on matters involving land, urban development, and environmental management. The propagation of misleading, populist, or uninformed opinions on complex issues poses a serious threat to public understanding and responsible policymaking," the statement noted.
Further, ISK called for improved national investment in land mapping and highlighted the importance of observing zoning laws to maintain environmental order.
“There is need to invest in mapping of the country, uphold zoning regulations, spatial development plans, and environmental laws across the country. Adherence to approved land use plans, such as county spatial plans, metropolitan plans, and conservation zoning frameworks, is essential in safeguarding the integrity of our environment and ensuring orderly development," the statement further read.
ISK also advised political leaders and non-professionals to seek expert advice before making public pronouncements on land use.
“Non-professionals especially leaders should seek counsel of practitioners before making public declarations at the expense of grieve implications on land use. Popular opinion is not always for the greater good, especially for vulnerable ecosystems such as the Nairobi National Park," the statement concluded.
