Gov’t not clearing trees in Karura, but only renovating facilities - Mwaura

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Wednesday said the project involves three acres of land that are already part of the Tree Biotechnology Programme Trust (TBPT) nursery within Karura Forest.

Speaking in Mombasa on Tuesday 10, March 2026, Mwaura dismissed claims that new sections of the forest are being cleared, saying the exercise is merely a renovation of facilities that had been neglected for some time.

“The land to be used measures three acres and forms part of the existing Tree Biotechnology Programme Trust nursery. This exercise does not involve any new clearing,” said Mwaura.

He explained that the area had long been set aside for tree nursery activities but had not been properly maintained, necessitating the ongoing refurbishment works.

According to the government, the three-acre site will be used to grow up to two million seedlings to support the country’s ambitious national tree planting drive.

Mwaura noted that one of the biggest challenges facing the programme has been the shortage of seedlings required to meet the national target of planting 15 billion trees.

The spokesperson also addressed concerns about the presence of NYS officers within the forest, saying they will be accommodated in containers located in areas already used by forest rangers.

“The NYS officers and volunteers will be accommodated in containers within the area already being used to accommodate forest rangers,” he said.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on Tuesday told the press that there would be no cutting of trees in the forest for the new project. 

“The land used for tree propagation in Karura is a 3 acre that has been used for more than 30 years in propagation. We are not felling any trees; we are renovating the tree nursery that has been there for 30 years,” said CS Barasa during the commissioning of the Kenya Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (KOCEMS).

The CS said she acknowledges concerns raised by the community.