‘They‘re donations!’ Governor Sakaja clarifies plan to import trees from Malaysia

Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has clarified his recent remarks regarding a plan to import fully grown trees from Malaysia.

Taking to social media on Thursday, the governor addressed criticisms on the issue saying that he was working with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to ensure the county sets up tree nurseries and prioritises growing indigenous trees.

He likewise rubbished reports that the county would spend taxpayers' money on importing Malaysian trees, noting that they will merely be donations.

“Don’t be swayed by the sensationalization about trees. We’re engaging KFS, our nursery at City Park as well as local groups whom we shall help establish nurseries for our tree planting program. Indigenous & fruit trees. Za Malaysia etc are donations we will gladly accept,” he wrote on Twitter.

Governor Sakaja’s sentiments follow mixed reactions on social media after he initially stated that his county government would procure trees from Malaysia.

During an inspection tour of Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Wednesday, Sakaja said: “We are going to bring fully grown trees. We will get palm trees from Malaysia that will be planted along Harambee Avenue and other areas.”

A section of netizens had criticized the county boss suggesting that he should instead consider planting indigenous trees already in the country instead of incurring importation costs. 

Don’t be swayed by the sensationalization about trees 😅. We’re engaging KFS, our nursery at City Park as well as local groups whom we shall help establish nurseries for our tree planting program. Indigenous & fruit trees. Za Malaysia etc are donations we will gladly accept. pic.twitter.com/Vw8qsA1kMV— Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) November 17, 2022