On October 31st, a group of environmentally concerned Kenyans marched through Nairobi to protest against Nairobi's rapidly shrinking green spaces. The march focused around a 100-year-old Mugumo tree on Waiyaki Way in Westlands, slated for removal to make room for a new 27.1km expressway cutting through the city. The historic fig tree has become an emblem for the destruction of trees and green spaces in the city.
The march was organised by the Daima Consortium led by Dr. Paula Kahumbu, Wildlife Direct CEO. After protesters gathered at the tree at noon; Dr. Paula Kahumbu gave a rousing speech declaring that the felling of trees was unsustainable and that it goes against the commitment of the government towards environmental sustainability in Kenya. This commitment was made by President Kenyatta in The Leaders Pledge on Nature at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
She encouraged protesters and observers to touch the tree and feel its life. Trees offer so much more than something nice to look at, they moderate climate, stop soil erosion and clean the air. Additionally, it is well-proven that exposure to nature helps decrease stress, rumination, and anxiety. We can not lose that in our city.
To the support of a brass band, we marched with placards and banners through Parklands to Limuru Road and gathered at the Murumbi Peace Memorial at City Park.
As we marched, cried of 'Saws off Our Trees' and 'Green spaces Forever' were heard. Protesters were enthusiastic and lively and the public certainly were attracted by the shouting, dancing and messages.
Once we reached City Park, Bernard Koros Project Officer for Friends of City Park thanked us all for being present and shared about the biodiversity and historical riches of City Park. We were encouraged to join Friends of City Park’s and support the efforts to protect, conserve and transform the Park as one of the few remaining public green spaces in Nairobi.
We then moved round to the band stand. where a brass band gave a much-enjoyed performance. FoCP said that, 'This was a historical and nostalgic moment as the last time the Band Stand was used for a live band performance was in 1976 by the Starehe Boys Band!' Historically, the bandstand hosted free live music every weekend for Kenyans to enjoy.
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And the great news? The protest was ultimately a success, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Badi, the director general of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services, said during a visit to the fig tree “Whatever development that is going to happen here will not touch this tree,”
President Uhuru Kenyatta also issued a decree and described the tree as a “beacon of Kenya’s cultural and ecological heritage”.
Just another sign that the people have power! We can make a difference. This is small step towards a greener Nairobi. Now we aim higher and reclaim and protect more of our city for green spaces!
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