Objections in Kenya to the commencement of construction work in Nairobi National Park

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:

Environmental activists and conservationists organized nature A protest was held in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Monday against plans to build a parking lot inside Nairobi National Park.

The protesters warned that continued encroachment threatens the only wildlife in the country located within the capital.

Kenya faces accusations of shrinking natural areas.

The protesters accused the authorities of shrinking the natural areas where living creatures find everything they need to survive, grow, and reproduce, and of limiting public participation in decisions affecting the protected area. Some protesters also condemned the police for obstructing what they described as a peaceful demonstration.

One of the protesters explained that it was regrettable that peaceful protest was being prevented, noting that everyone has a constitutional right to protest and defend civil rights, and describing the planned project as a violation of both environmental and human rights.

Protesters call for the preservation of Nairobi Park

The protesters called for the park to be preserved for future generations, saying the protected area is an essential part of Kenya's natural heritage.

Nairobi National Park is a national park located in Kenya that was established in 1946. The park has earned the nickname “Kifaru Ark”, a testament to its success as a sanctuary for the rhinoceros.

The park is home to the world's highest density of rhinos with more than 50 animals, although anti-poaching measures in the park did not prevent poachers from killing a rhino in August 2013 and then again in January 2014.

The attacks reflect the extremely high black market price of rhino horns.

In another context, Kenya announced a fruitful digital partnership with the European Union, with new investments worth 102 million euros, equivalent to approximately 15.3 billion Kenyan shillings, with the aim of accelerating digital transformation, expanding connectivity, and creating new opportunities for youth and businesses.

The Kenyan government expressed its welcome for the European Union’s support of 37 million euros to extend the Blue Raman submarine cable to Africa, which connects Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, which will enhance connectivity, reduce bandwidth costs and support Kenya’s position as a leading regional digital hub.

Kenyan officials said: We had fruitful talks with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Hina Verkonen, on deepening cooperation between Kenya and the European Union in the areas of trade, innovation and the digital economy.