Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has warned the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) against cutting trees in the city without county approval following public outrage over the felling of mature Jacaranda trees to pave the way for road works.
In a statement on Sunday, October 11, Kihika said the county government had taken note of public concerns and intervened to stop the tree-felling exercise.
She said KURA had not sought county approval before cutting down the trees, prompting the county government to step in and halt the process.
Kihika added that any future tree felling would require county approval, meaning KURA must obtain the necessary clearance before cutting trees for road expansion or other works.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, during an empowerment programme in Nakuru County on August 3, 2025.
Photo
Susan Kihika
"It's KURA doing those roads and not Nakuru County Government. 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," Kihika stated.
At the same time, the Governor maintained that approval will only be granted where tree cutting is necessary for road expansion.
Kihika's response came following mounting public concerns over the cutting of Jacaranda trees along some roads within the city to give way for the construction of walkways.
Some residents accused Kihika’s administration of corruption and disregard for environmental conservation over the felling of the trees.
“They wanted more space for pedestrians, so they cut down the beautiful Jacaranda trees. Corruption alone does not explain why our counties and country struggle to develop, but also inadequate education, limited exposure and appointing people without the training or practical knowledge to lead their departments,” one resident said.
The concerns in Nakuru come amid ongoing city enhancement and beautification works, with KURA constructing modern walkways as part of efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
The same is happening in Nairobi, with the public and environmentalists raising concerns over the felling of indigenous and historic trees.
On Sunday, Nairobi residents expressed anger over the felling of mature trees along State House Road, calling out authorities over concerns about urban environmental conservation.
Reports indicate that the trees are being felled to pave the way for a possible expansion of the road into a dual carriageway.
Nairobi City County Government, or KURA, is yet to respond to the allegations and effectively settle the concerns raised by the city residents.
Previously, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja warned government agencies, contractors, and private developers against illegally cutting mature trees, threatening arrests and penalties.
Side-by-side images of a pedestrian walkway in Nakuru city, before and after the felling of trees
Photo
@ManotiJimmy69