The Wildlife Principal Secretary, Silvia Museiya, has revealed that the government is set to knock down some factories erected within the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) along Mombasa Road to pave the way for a wildlife migratory corridor.
In a press briefing, the PS said that the migratory corridor is expected to connect the Nairobi National Park and the Kapiti plains, through the EPZ and the East Africa Portland Cement land.
"We have already marked out the entire corridor and gone through some government land in EPZ A and EPZ B, all the way to some private landowners with whom we have already had an engagement," she stated.
The PS clarified that the government will not compensate those affected since the majority of the land belongs to the state and will instead provide the necessary assistance to help the factories relocate to another EPZ zone.
He argued that despite maintaining distinct governance structures, economic activities, and cultural practices, the Chuka people were compelled to identify as Meru to access essential services.
A Chuka elder who accompanied the petitioner highlighted the challenges faced by the community, stating, "The Chuka people are forced to learn other languages such as Kikuyu and Meru to access education, practise religion and participate fully in society."
The petition further detailed the historical governance and leadership systems within the Chuka community, including the Kiama gia Nkome and Kiama kia Mugongo councils of elders, which have historically played a significant role in community leadership and conflict resolution.
Drawing a comparison with neighbouring Tanzania, which recognises approximately 180 distinct tribes, the petitioners urged the Committee to investigate the matter to secure the urgent recognition of the Chuka community as a distinct tribe.
Members of the Committee welcomed the petition, describing it as “timely and of great importance.” However, they also encouraged the petitioners to focus their arguments on potential socio-economic gains alongside tribal recognition.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi remarked, “This petition is commendable as it highlights the challenges faced by many other small communities. It could pave the way for marginalised communities to also receive their deserved recognition.”
The announcement comes after Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, in a statement on Sunday, April 27, issued a stern warning to manufacturers unlawfully disposing of waste, vowing to close down the industries.
