Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) Director General Mohammed Badi on behalf of President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a Presidential declaration of conservation of the iconic fig tree along the Waiyaki Way-Mpaka Road Junction in Nairobi.
In a statement published on NMS social media pages on Wednesday, November 11, General Badi assured that the tree, which faced destruction under the construction of the Nairobi Expressway, will be protected.
Badi stated that NMS is currently doing river regeneration activities to reclaim riparian reserves in the city.
“I am here to assure all members of the public that this tree will be preserved. It will be fenced and beautified so Nairobians can enjoy it.”
“We have plans in place to create new neighborhood parks within our residential estates for the community to enjoy recreational spaces close to their homes.”
“River regeneration activities will be also be an ongoing initiative as to reclaim riparian reserves,” NMS boss said.
The NMS boss also outlined measures on planting of more trees to replace those cut down to pave way for the Nairobi expressway.
Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) had indicated that the iconic tree would be removed and relocate it to a new location to make room for the construction of the intended expressway.
“This iconic fig tree sits right at the center of the Nairobi Expressway operation area. We have planned to transplant and relocate the tree to a new location as part of our environmental conservation efforts,” KeNHA said in a statement.
