Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has sparked a national debate after calling for the relocation of Nairobi National Park to pave the way for urban development. The controversial proposal has ignited backlash from conservationists, urban planners, and the public, who accuse Atwoli of promoting a reckless vision for Nairobi’s future.
Atwoli made the remarks during a public event, where he claimed that the park is standing in the way of progress and must be sacrificed to accommodate the capital’s rapidly growing population. According to him, Nairobi’s infrastructure cannot keep up with demand unless drastic changes are made.
Read: Atwoli Under Pressure: Kenyans Rally Behind Online Petition Demanding His Retirement from COTU
“The population of Nairobi is growing, and it cannot continue to be the same,” he said. “Even the national park, where we have animals, must be used to develop Nairobi.”
He added that relocating the wildlife to the Maasai Mara would allow the city to be redesigned to meet international standards.
“We need a new Nairobi with wide roads, facilities, and proper industrial parks. Nairobi is the only major city in Africa that has not been decongested. You can’t say just because Nairobi is the only city with a national park, the park must remain there.”
Kenyans Push Back: ‘Urban Planning, Not Wildlife, Is the Problem’
Atwoli’s comments were quickly condemned by environmentalists and urban development experts, many of whom described his suggestion as short-sighted and destructive. They argue that Nairobi’s congestion crisis stems from decades of poor planning, not the existence of a wildlife sanctuary.
Read: Beaumont Tours and Travel: Luxury Safaris in Africa for Elite Travelers
Prominent environmentalist Wanjira Maathai was among the first to speak out, calling the proposal dangerous.
“Nairobi National Park is not just a piece of land with animals. It is a globally recognized conservation area, a vital green space, and a legacy that connects Kenyans to their environment,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Urban planner George Kinuthia added that demolishing the park would not fix Nairobi’s deep-rooted planning failures.
“Instead of displacing wildlife, we should decentralize government offices, develop satellite towns like Machakos and Kiambu, and invest in mass transit systems. The park is not the problem—poor governance is.”
A Rare Jewel Under Threat
Nairobi National Park, established in 1946, is the only wildlife park in the world located within a capital city. Covering over 117 square kilometers, the park is home to lions, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, and more than 400 bird species. It is not only a conservation success story but also a major tourist attraction, generating significant revenue for the country.
Read: Gunfire in the Wild: GSU Officers Recover Stolen Livestock After Daring Samburu Chase
Tourism industry players warn that relocating the park would damage Kenya’s global image and potentially deter eco-tourists who see the park as a symbol of coexistence between urban life and wildlife.
“You don’t destroy a jewel just because you’ve failed to plan,” said tourism consultant Lucy Njuguna. “The park is part of what makes Nairobi unique in the world.”
Can Nairobi Modernize Without Sacrificing Nature?
While Atwoli insists that Nairobi must evolve into a modern city with adequate space and infrastructure, critics argue that such development should not come at the expense of the country’s environmental heritage. They point to other cities like Singapore and Cape Town that have balanced green spaces with urban expansion.
This incident has reignited broader national conversations about Kenya’s urban future, land use, environmental sustainability, and the kind of legacy leaders like Atwoli want to leave behind.
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: Nairobi’s transformation must respect both its people and its planet—or risk losing what makes it truly exceptional.
Do you want to be published? Email info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or Whatsapp 0721930260
