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Nairobi developers warned over illegal cutting of trees

County says it's committed to protecting the city’s green spaces

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by AMUNGA OBANDA

Nairobi16 May 2025 - 21:13
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In Summary


  • Nairobi City County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has warned that no tree should be felled without proper authorisation from the relevant authorities.
  • “No one is allowed to cut down trees without authorisation,” Mosiria said, following concerns raised by conservationists and residents in Parklands.
Nairobi City County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria./FILE

Private developers cutting down trees illegally in Nairobi have been put on notice by the county government.

Nairobi City County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has warned that no tree should be felled without proper authorisation from the relevant authorities.

“No one is allowed to cut down trees without authorisation,” Mosiria said, following concerns raised by conservationists and residents in Parklands.

The complaints, led by environmental group Ulinzi Africa, came after private developers were reported to have cleared trees in the area.

A truck transporting logs was impounded at the scene and several individuals were arrested.

Mosiria reiterated the county's commitment to protecting the city’s green spaces, stating that preserving trees is a key part of Nairobi’s environmental agenda.

He said the county plans to plant more trees in support of the national government’s efforts to combat climate change and enhance environmental conservation.

Under the current city by-laws, cutting down a tree without a permit is a punishable offence. In 2024, the county introduced a Bill proposing a three-year jail term or a fine of Sh5 million for offenders.

The same Bill offers incentives for private institutions that engage in tree planting, with the aim of increasing Nairobi’s forest cover.

“The Bill incorporates tax and fiscal incentives to boost investments in forest land use and utilisation,” reads part of the proposal, based on recommendations by the National Treasury and the Forestry Ministry.

The county has urged residents and developers to support the green agenda by complying with the law and participating in tree planting initiatives.

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