What you need to know:
- Sakaja faces sharp scrutiny for approving the installation of billboards on spots where trees had been cut down
- A question of adequate public participation also raised
Nairobi County governor Johnson Sakaja is yet again on the spotlight for approving the installation of billboards on spots where trees had been cut down.
Vincent Onyango, an environmentalist has threatened to sue Sakaja if he fails to satisfactorily justify the approval of the billboard structure in the location where the trees were cleared along Ojijo Road in 72 hours
The environmentalist also demands the governor to answer Whether adequate public participation and consideration of public views were undertaken prior to the clearance of trees, as required by constitutional and environmental management best practices.
“We draw emphasis on the climate duty bestowed upon you as a County government by the Climate Change act, which underscores the importance of preserving natural resources. Furthermore, we remind you of your constitutional duty to uphold environmental respect, promote public participation and protect the environment for the present and future generation.”Onyango said.
In addition to Onyango also want the governor to elaborate on mitigation measures employed by the Nairobi County Government to offset the environmental impact of trees cleared along Ojijo Road.
Sharp Contradictions
According to Onyango, Sakaja appeared to be dissatisfied with clearing of trees along Ojijo Road to for wayleave power cables by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company(KPLC)only to approve erection of billboards on the cleared spots.
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In the demand letter script by Lawyer Amos Shihundu seen by Ghetto Radio Onyango attached a post on X(formerly Twitter) where Sakaja openly expressed his disappointment by felling of trees by the KPLC to wayleave power distribution.
“This is disappointing and wrong @KenyaPower could’ve sought a different way to get the wayleave for power cables. Even slight pruning or underground cabling. I’m disappointed that such an application was approved and I’m taking action. Going forward I’ve changed the protocols of approving any such action by escalating all applications to my office. Not junior officers.”a post by Sakaja on X reads.”
He says the erection of bill board now raises significant questions regarding the decision-making process surrounding both the approval of the billboard and the initial tree clearance.
