[PHOTOS] Forest service takes over City Park management

The management of City Park is now under the Kenya Forest Service following a directive by the national government. 

"The President has directed that henceforth the park will be put under the charge of Kenya Forest Service," Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said on Wednesday.

The park has for years been managed by the city government.

Tobiko said the KFS will be working in partnership with, among others, the National Environment Management Authority, which will be responsible for waste and air pollution management in the park.

The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (Kefri) will be in charge of research and development and together with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) establish a module on the national botanical garden.

The NMK will also be responsible for the protection of national heritage and historical sites within City Park.

Tobiko said President Uhuru Kenyatta on June 5, the World Environment Day, directed his ministry, the Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the KFS to reclaim and conserve the natural public land in the capital.

The President urged the KFS to fast-track the forest management plan with community associations for the forests to be fenced.

“We are also reclaiming our Ngong Forest. We are going to start the process of fencing it and ensuring that it is also available not only for [the] present but also for future generations,” Uhuru said.