Government Clarifies Activities at Karura Forest Tree Nursery

The government has moved to clarify ongoing activities at the Karura Tree Nursery amid public debate and concerns about possible land clearing within Karura Forest.

In a press statement, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the land involved in the exercise measures three acres and is part of the existing nursery operated by the Tree Biotechnology Programme Trust (TBPT).

Dr. Mwaura explained that the activities underway do not involve any new land clearing within the forest but are focused on renovating and reviving facilities within the nursery that had not been maintained for some time.

According to the spokesperson, the site had previously been designated for the TBPT nursery and is now being rehabilitated to support national tree planting initiatives.

“The exercise does not involve the clearing of new land. It is simply the renovation of facilities on land that was already set aside for the nursery,” he said.

The government plans to use the three-acre site to produce up to two million tree seedlings, which will contribute to the country’s ambitious tree planting agenda under the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme.

Dr. Mwaura noted that one of the major challenges facing the national campaign has been the shortage of sufficient seedlings to support large-scale tree planting efforts across the country.

The programme, which aims to significantly increase Kenya’s forest cover and combat climate change, requires millions of seedlings to sustain tree planting activities by government agencies, institutions and communities.

By expanding seedling production at the TBPT nursery in Karura Forest, the government hopes to boost the supply of quality seedlings needed to meet the national target.

Dr. Mwaura also addressed concerns raised in public discussions and on social media regarding the activities at the forest.

“No new land is being hived off for this exercise, and the public is therefore urged to disregard fake news and sensational reporting regarding this matter,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Kenya’s forests while implementing programmes aimed at increasing tree cover and promoting environmental conservation.

Karura Forest is one of the most important urban forests in Kenya, providing ecological benefits such as carbon absorption, biodiversity conservation and recreational space for residents of Nairobi.

Officials say the rehabilitation of the nursery will strengthen tree seedling production capacity and support ongoing national efforts to restore degraded landscapes and enhance environmental sustainability.