HOW NATURE AND MODERN DEVELOPMENT ARE CLASHING IN KENYA

The tension between nature and modern development is being played out in Kenya. Along with Nairobi Expressway’s construction site, workers can be seen wrapping marigolds and other greenery onto industrial beams, a contrast to ongoing welding and excavation activities.

“It’s been nice working with some greenery for a change,” said 32-year-old Julian Wandera, who has been working on the expressway since May 2021. “Especially as the weather gets hotter,” he added.

Aside from the greenery, Kenyan authorities are asking for more trees to be planted by the China Road and Bridge Corporation.

The Nairobi Expressway is Kenya’s first major public-private partnership, which started in October 2019. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has collaborated with the Chinese company, China Road and Bridge Corporation, for the design, construction, and financing of the 27-kilometer road.

Kenya hopes the US$600 million toll road sparks modernization and increases tourism as it links Jomo Kenyatta International Airport east of the capital city with the Nairobi-Nakuru highway west of the capitol. In an interview with state outlet Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said the road will cut down on the city’s notorious traffic from as long as three hours during rush hour to as fast as 20 minutes. Macharia added it would save money lost in bad traffic and create more jobs

Throughout the construction, CRBC felled an estimated 2,500 trees, according to the National Environment Management Authority’s (NEMA) environmental impact assessment. Trees are needed to mitigate air pollution, improve water quality, provide urban habitats for birds, small invertebrates, and insects, and cultivate the overall livability standard of a city. On Feb. 17, the Director-General of NEMA, Mamo Boru Mamo, ordered CRBC to plant at least 3,000 assorted tree seedlings to not only replace those uprooted during the construction process but also to contribute to Nairobi’s beautification process.

Mamo also noted that the seedlings must comply with Kenya Forest Service guidelines to prevent the introduction of invasive species.

Lestan Kimiri, the project manager of the Mukogodo Forest Association, believes that the Kenyan government is right to demand to replant as they have evidence that biodiversity was affected. 

Kimiri says “In the modern era, everyone is working to green our cities and towns. Nairobi is Kenya’s capital, it’s right to green it, “Remember the polluter pay principle where the company releasing carbon emissions pays for it? Planting of trees and other vegetation is part of it.” He believes that NEMA’s order will set a precedent for the environmental standards expected from foreign contractors.

As China’s engagement with African nations deepens, particularly in the infrastructure development sector, questions about China’s level of commitment to advocating for environmental standards continue to arise.

SOURCE: VOA

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