NAIROBI, Kenya — Karura Ward MCA Kamau Thuo, popularly known as “Fiu ni Fiu,” has accused the government of misleading the public over a contentious tree nursery project within Karura Forest.
Thuo criticized remarks made by government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, arguing that the public has been confused about the nature and location of the proposed development.
Clarifying the Dispute
According to Thuo, the existing nursery operated by the Tree Biotechnology Programme Trust (TBPT) is located at the Kenya Forest Service headquarters and is not the site currently under dispute.
“The real concern is a separate proposed nursery located inside Karura forest reserve about two kilometres from Tree Biotechnology Programme Trust nursery,” he said.
“Presenting the existing TBPT nursery at KFS headquarters as if it is the same project being questioned creates confusion and misleads the public.”
The MCA emphasized that clarity and transparency are essential for projects affecting Nairobi’s ecological heritage, describing Karura Forest as one of the city’s most treasured urban green spaces.
Opposition to Government Statements
Thuo also challenged remarks by Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, who stated that three acres of Karura Forest would be cleared to plant five million seedlings.
“Waziri, you are out of order…We must remain faithful to our covenant contained in the Karura Forest Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP). In that spirit, I submit that the PFMP must be followed to the letter,” Thuo said.
He stressed that any development within the forest must adhere strictly to conservation principles, warning against activities that could undermine Nairobi’s ecological heritage.
Government Response
Mwaura, speaking in Mombasa on March 10, 2026, maintained that the project involves only three acres already part of the TBPT nursery within Karura Forest, dismissing claims of new clearing.
“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 added that the site had been set aside for tree nursery activities but required renovation due to years of neglect. The refurbished nursery is expected to grow up to two million seedlings, supporting Kenya’s national tree-planting drive, which aims to plant 15 billion trees.
Mwaura also clarified that NYS officers and volunteers involved in the project will be accommodated in containers already used by forest rangers, ensuring no additional disturbance to the forest.
Environment CS Barasa reiterated that no trees will be felled during the project.
“The land used for tree propagation in Karura is a 3-acre site 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,” she said.
The CS added that the government acknowledges community concerns and will ensure that conservation protocols are observed throughout the project.
Balancing Development and Conservation
The controversy underscores the tension between environmental conservation and national tree-planting initiatives. Thuo’s intervention reflects ongoing calls for community involvement and strict adherence to management plans to protect Karura Forest, Nairobi’s iconic urban green space.
