Section of Karura Forest Cleared for Tree Nursery and NYS Housing, Says CS Barasa
Speaking during an interview with NTV Kenya, Barasa said the move is part of the government’s nationwide tree-growing initiative aimed at increasing forest cover. She noted that between two and three acres of land within the forest have been cleared to create space for a nursery capable of producing up to five million seedlings
By : Mweru Mbugua
A section of Karura Forest is being cleared to pave the way for a tree nursery and temporary housing for officers from the National Youth Service (NYS), Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has confirmed
Speaking during an interview with NTV Kenya, Barasa said the move is part of the government’s nationwide tree-growing initiative aimed at increasing forest cover. She noted that between two and three acres of land within the forest have been cleared to create space for a nursery capable of producing up to five million seedlings
According to the CS, the seedlings will support afforestation efforts across the country, including in forests, public parks, schools, highways, and urban areas
“To propagate around five million seedlings, we need space where we can establish nurseries and mobilise human resource to support the process,” Barasa said
The Environment Ministry also plans to construct temporary housing structures for NYS personnel who will help manage the nursery and oversee seedling production
Barasa explained that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to increase Kenya’s forest cover from the current 12 percent to 30 percent in the coming years
However, the development has raised concerns among conservation groups and members of the public, including activists associated with the Friends of Karura Forest. Critics have questioned the clearing of trees within the protected urban forest, warning that it could threaten the ecosystem
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In response, Barasa dismissed claims that the forest is being destroyed, maintaining that the project is intended to strengthen the country’s tree-planting programme
She added that the national campaign seeks to mobilise communities across different ecological zones—including coastal regions, drylands and wetlands to grow and plant more trees as part of efforts to restore degraded ecosystems and expand forest cover
