The Nairobi Expressway Contractor has been given six weeks to effect a directive issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, February 16, NEMA boss Mamo Boru disclosed that the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) had been directed to plant 3000 assorted trees along the 27.1 kilometre highway.
He explained that CRBC was expected to exceed the 2,500 trees that had been cut down during the construction of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy project.
"There were licensed conditions that we gave them. We had ensured that they do what is called mortality replacement for all the trees lost. They are expected to replace and even exceed that number.
"We had estimated that they had brought down around 2500 species. We asked them to do not less than 3000 assorted seedlings. This is a directive we have given them," he stated.
The NEMA boss also added that they would monitor the progress of the plating exercise to ensure that the targets put by the government agency are met.
“We know they have already engaged clients and we will have routine monitoring of the seedlings they will be planting, which have to meet the set guidelines,” Boru stated.
During the construction, various environmental groups had lamented over the destruction of trees that took place during the first phase of the project. Additionally, motorists complained that they were experiencing increased air pollution while driving along the highway.
To this effect, Boru explained that the trees would not only be of aesthetic value but also help in reducing noise pollution for city residents living and working around the mega project.
“We expect that the trees will mitigate noise pollution and also provide required environmental service and also improve the aesthetic value of the environment and reduce the concrete jungle," he stated.
For the past month, various beautification projects have been undertaken to complement the project. In January, flowers were planted on attached flower pots put on the expressway’s pillars.
This directive comes even as the project is expected to be completed by the end of March before its official launch by Uhuru.
“The indicated date of March for completion of this project is going to be met. I will be very proud to drive all the way from Machakos to Rironi to launch the road to Mau Summit,” Uhuru stated in December 2021.
