The Nairobi County government has announced plans to enhance the Lang'ata cemetery in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service.
In a communication from the office of Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, it was revealed that the project will include substantial landscaping and thorough renovations.
The initiative aims to improve the cemetery through activities such as fencing, updating signage, and grading and gravelling internal roads within the expansive grounds.
Governor Sakaja's administration also intends to acquire additional land to expand the cemetery's capacity.
"The Cabinet has resolved to initiate a plan to redevelop Lang'ata Cemetery into a serene memorial ground. This visionary project will involve comprehensive landscaping and extensive renovations including fencing, change of signage, grading and gravelling of roads inside the cemetery, transforming the cemetery into a tranquil place of remembrance and peace," the county said in a statement.
Nairobi County accused the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) of felling trees that gave life and beauty to the cemetery.
"The Cabinet has expressed grave concern regarding the arbitrary felling of trees by Kenya Power. It was asserted that Kenya Power must comply with the law, recognizing that the authority to approve tree felling resides with the County Government," the governor said.
In response to concerns about environmental impact, the Cabinet has urged the power supplier to explore underground cabling options to minimize tree felling.
During a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, June 18, members reiterated the importance of all tree-felling activities being conducted responsibly and sustainably.
They emphasized adherence to existing agreements between the County and Kenya Power, which detail procedures for identifying trees to be felled, relocated, or trimmed.
Meanwhile, plans for expanding the Lang'ata cemetery have encountered opposition from activist Boniface Mwangi, who claims the cemetery was declared full two decades ago. Mwangi alleges that new grave sites were created by relocating remains into mass graves, citing widespread land grabbing of Lang'ata Cemetery for real estate development.
Governor Sakaja has prioritized meeting community needs while ensuring dignified and sustainable management of burial sites. He has previously overseen renovations of Uhuru Park and Central Park to enhance public spaces with a modern and aesthetically pleasing environment.
