Susan Kihika Addresses Cutting of Trees in Nakuru

Governor Susan Kihika has blamed the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) for cutting trees in Nakuru City. 

In a statement on Sunday, October 11, Kihika said the authority felled the trees without approval from the Nakuru County government. 

Governor Kihika noted after her administration steeped in and stopped KURA from cutting down the trees.

According to the Nakuru County boss, KURA must receive county approval before felling trees, and the exercise can only be undertaken where it is necessary for road expansion.

"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 where it’s absolutely necessary for the expansion of the road,” said Kihika. 

The Nakuru governor’s clarification comes after a section of Nakuru residents took to social media to express concern over the cutting down of Jacaranda trees in Nakuru City.

One of the residents claimed that the trees were cut to allow for more space for pedestrians. 

“They wanted more space for pedestrians, so they cut down the beautiful jacaranda trees,” he wrote. 

This comes months after the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) launched investigations into reports of forest destruction and illegal logging at Saboti Forest Station within the Mount Elgon ecosystem.

In a statement on Thursday, August 13, KFS clarified that not all areas reported to have been affected by the illegal logging were impacted, noting that Shikhendu block remained unaffected while Makunga forest block was targeted.

"Within the reported areas, Shikhendu block has not been affected as reported online. However, Makunga forest block has been affected," the statement read.

KFS said the destruction in Makunga involved the overnight felling of 350 young trees, which were left on the ground after being cut down.

"The illegal felling of trees within Makunga forest block seems to be maliciously instigated by a few individuals to incite the community, and 350 young trees were felled overnight and left on the ground," the statement added.

KFS said security measures have since been strengthened in the affected forest area as investigations continue, warning that those found responsible will face legal action under the relevant forest conservation law.