The Greenbelt Movement (GMB) has moved to court to stop the government’s plan to annex 51.64 acres of Karura Forest to facilitate the expansion of Kiambu Road.
In an announcement on social media, the movement argued that the move would devastate the forest’s ecosystem terming the government’s plan malicious.
“Kenyans, Karura is our heritage and we must act now to stop this malicious encroachment,” part of the statement read.
To stress the impact the hiving off of the land would have on the environment, they highlighted that 51.64 acres of land equated to 29 standard football pitches.
An image of the serene walking track in Karura Forest, Nairobi.
Karura Forest
However, the Wangari Mathai-founded organisation did not provide more details on which court the case had been filed in.
The movement has consistently fought the government on projects involving the alienation of green cover or practices that would lead to their decline.
They are currently fighting the Nairobi County Government on plans to privatise Central and Uhuru parks and lease them for events.
After Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Cabinet approved the lease of green spaces in the two parks in a public-private partnership, the group disclosed a pending court case on the same.
“Not again Governor Sakaja. Uhuru Park and Central Park are public property. We will not watch as you privatise the only remaining green spaces in Nairobi. See you back in court on December 10, 2024, for the hearing of the ongoing petition about these two parks,” an X post by GMB on December 3 read.
Defending their decision to back the privatisation, the cabinet stated that the move would be an efficient revenue generator for the city and would attract residents to the recreational facilities.
“With increasing urban demands, innovative approaches are needed to enhance their infrastructure, attract investment, and ensure public access,” part of the cabinet dispatch on December 3 read.
“The cabinet has approved the leasing and renting of designated spaces and units within the parks, paving the way for a phased implementation that aligns with legal, environmental, and urban development goals.”
A pond at the renovated Uhuru Park in Nairobi County.
Photo
Aden Duale
