No tree is being cut for paving of footpaths – Sakaja

Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed as false claims that trees are being cut to clear way for the paving of footpaths and walkways across Nairobi city. 

Renowned writer Rasna Warah had claimed that the county government of Nairobi was cutting down trees on Rhapta Road to pave way for the non-motorised transport (NMT) programme.

"Trees I planted with my own hands in 2002 on Rhapta Road are being uprooted by the county government. I thought there was a national policy to grow more trees. Now that part of the road is as treeless as other parts. Are we trying to make Nairobi greenless?" Warah said. 

But Sakaja said the claims are false and indicated on social media with video evidence that no tree was being cut or uprooted as workers pave the footpaths.

"We’re doing footpaths and walkways. No tree has been cut. Kindly share evidence if any. The contractor has been under strict instructions to work around the trees as you can see. Kindly correct the misinformation," Sakaja said.

The NMT programme was started by the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan with a vision to create a safe, cohesive and comfortable network of footpaths, cycling lanes and tracks, green areas, and other support amenities across the city.

The beautification calls for the adoption of an urban street design including continuous footpaths and dedicated cycle tracks on all roads within the city.

The overall objective of the programme is to put people before cars by enhancing the mobility of pedestrians, bicycles and tricycles, hand carts (mkokoteni) and animal-drawn carriages.

The Nairobi City County NMT Policy of 2017 is a legal document that was developed on the realisation that half of Nairobi walks daily. 

It seeks to make Nairobi a city where non-motorised transportation is the main mode of choice for short and medium trips of a maximum of 5 km for pedestrians and 15 km for cyclists or trips of up to an hour.