A coalition of Kenyan citizens and corporations has strongly opposed a leading trade unionist’s outlandish proposal to dissolve Nairobi National Park to make way for the expansion of Kenya’s capital city.
Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions, has suggested that the park’s wildlife should be relocated to the Maasai Mara to make room for urban development that would “decongest” the city.
Friends of Nairobi National Park (FoNNaP), which works with Kenya Wildlife Service to protect the park’s habitat, said Atwoli’s proposal undermines the park’s ecological, economic and cultural value, and directly conflicts with government’s conservation commitments.
“Nairobi National Park is a global treasure that enhances, not hinders, Nairobi’s status as a modern, world-class city. Its unique proximity to Nairobi’s skyline makes it a global symbol of harmony between urban development and nature conservation,” FoNNaP said in a statement on June 24.
Destruction of the park would have “devasting consequences”, including irreversible environmental damage, FoNNaP added.
“Its loss would fragment ecosystems, disrupt food chains and accelerate biodiversity decline,” FoNNaP said, pointing out that the 117 square kilometre park is a stronghold for the Big Five (including critically endangered black rhino) and various other vulnerable species.
FoNNaP described Atwoli’s wildlife translocation proposal as “logistically and ecologically unviable”.
“Capture and transport stress can lead to high mortality rates, particularly for species with specific dietary or habitat needs. Maasai Mara, already at carrying capacity for many species, lacks the diverse micro habitats of Nairobi National Park, risking competition and population crashes. The process would require years, vast resources and could disrupt both ecosystems with no guarantee of success.”
As the park attracts thousands of tourists annually, its loss would damage Nairobi’s reputation and lead to significant economic and job losses, FoNNaP stated.
Atwoli’s proposal directly contradicts government’s recent approval, announced on April 29, of a wildlife corridor linking Nairobi National Park to the Athi-Kapiti ecosystem.
“FoNNaP is very supportive of the efforts that government has made towards protecting the park, including the approval of the corridor, protection of the rhino population and laws designating it as a protected area,” the organisation stated.
FoNNaP also highlighted the park’s role as an educational centre for schools while pointing out that modern cities “thrive by integrating nature with urban planning, not destroying it”.
FoNNaP’s statement concluded: “A modern Nairobi thrives with its iconic park, not without it.”
