PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nairobi, Kenya, 31 May 2025         

Kenyans Occupy Mombasa’s Uhuru Gardens to Halt Illegal Tree Cutting. Conservation Alliance of Kenya Demands Accountability and Restoration

In a remarkable show of love for the environment, Kenyans united on Friday, June 30, 2025, to halt illegal tree cutting at the historic Uhuru Gardens in Mombasa, following the sound of chainsaws in the area. Concerned residents, including children and the elderly, swiftly intervened, gaining online support to halt the destruction and save many trees. However, two significant trees were already cut down before officials from the government authorities arrived in response to the public outcry. Thanks to the community's quick actions, further damage was prevented.

"This isn't just about trees; it's about protecting our national heritage and safeguarding Kenyans' right to a healthy environment," said Steve Itela, CEO of the Conservation Alliance of Kenya (CAK). "Uhuru Gardens belongs to all Kenyans, and we won't allow illegal actions for profit."

The illegal tree cutting broke several national laws aimed at protecting the environment and heritage, including:

1. Cutting trees without proper permission or Environmental evaluation;
2. Removing indigenous trees from public land without authorization;
3. Disturbing a protected colony of bats that contribute to our biodiversity;
4. Violating the protected status of Uhuru Gardens as a national monument.
5. Failing to inform the public or include them in decision-making processes;
6. Ignoring necessary approvals for land use and actions that affect public resources; and
7. Threatening Kenyans' right to a healthy environment.

Despite the clear legal violations, no one has been arrested. There are disturbing reports that county officials took the timber from the chopped trees, sparking concerns about motives driven by profit. Mombasa County's explanations for the actions, ranging from bird droppings to root damage, have been dismissed by experts as false. No public notices or assessments were made before the trees were cut down.

Public scepticism has grown around the Governor’s claims of not being aware of the operation, especially since it was reported to have occurred during Friday prayers to avoid scrutiny. Even though the Governor has condemned the tree cutting, no disciplinary actions have been taken. CAK is calling on the Governor, the County Executive Committee, and various national bodies to take immediate action to address these issues.

The Conservation Alliance of Kenya, along with other civil society organizations, is preparing to take legal action against Mombasa County. They are demanding:

1. Immediate Stop to All Tree Felling at Uhuru Gardens; No further trees should be removed until a complete environmental assessment is done and approved by relevant authorities.
2. Urgent Independent Ecological Survey; an expert team should evaluate the condition of the remaining trees and the protected bat colony, and assess the overall importance of the site for biodiversity and heritage.
3. Transparent, Science-Based Risk Management Plan; If risks are identified, a non-destructive management plan should be developed in collaboration with the public and expert guidance, ensuring the safety and preservation of the area.
4. Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement; local residents, ecologists, park users, and conservation groups should be actively engaged in creating a long-term management plan for Uhuru Gardens that ensures public safety, environmental protection, and heritage preservation.

Uhuru Gardens is not just a park; it serves as a vital green space and sanctuary for wildlife in one of Kenya's busiest cities. Itela said, "This incident is part of a worrying trend, as urban green spaces across Kenya face increasing threats from inappropriate development and illegal exploitation."

We commend the brave citizens and the swift response by government authorities who acted quickly to defend their environment. Together, we can ensure these public green spaces are protected for generations to come.

ABOUT THE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE OF KENYA (CAK)

CAK serves as the national umbrella body for conservation organizations in Kenya. Its mandate encompasses protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable land use, and advocating for environmental justice. Uhuru Gardens is not only a heritage site but also a vital urban green space, and its unlawful destruction threatens both biodiversity and public environmental rights. 

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