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Kidero orders removal of billboards that led to cutting down of trees


Nairobi County has ordered the removal of all billboards that have interfered with trees in the city within the next seven days.

This comes after an outdoor advertising companies sparked outrage among Kenyans for cutting down several trees along Magadi road, Limuru road and at City Park to pave way for the erection of billboards.

The county government was put on the spot for allowing the company to fell indigenous trees in a move seen to destroy the serenity of City Park.

Through a statement to newsrooms, Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero gave a directive for the bringing down of the billboard erected at the area after trees were cut down.

“All billboards that interfered with trees must come down within seven days. That’s an order,” read the statement.

COUNTY REGULATIONS

The governor has also condemned the outdoor companies that fell the trees stating that it was illegal and those found cutting trees should be arrested.

County regulations stipulates that any company intending to put up a billboard must seek approval from City Hall and the officials should survey the area and if necessary grant permission to clear the area.

Speaking to Nation the Nairobi urban planning CEC Christopher Khaemba said that City Park is a protected area and that the advertising company did not seek approval before erecting the billboard.

However, responding to the directive, Karura, MCA, Kamau Thuo claimed that county government gave the approval for the erection of the billboard and was just reacting to please the public.

“The county will not bring down the billboard. Nothing will be done. The threats are just being issued to calm down the public,” said Mr Thuo who plans to lead a team to plant trees in the area where the trees were cut down on Saturday.