Residents of Kapenguria are calling on the government to urgently develop a clear plan for managing aging trees in the town, warning that they have become a safety hazard to people, property, and public infrastructure.
The concerns follow repeated incidents of falling trees and branches, the latest occurring on Tuesday when a massive branch came crashing down near the county headquarters. One passerby narrowly escaped injury, while the fallen branch triggered a prolonged power blackout that disrupted office operations for several hours.
Locals say many of the trees, some dating back to the colonial era, are now too old and weak to withstand even calm weather conditions. Last year, one such tree collapsed near the governor’s residence, crushing a parked vehicle. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident heightened fears about the looming risks.
Bodaboda riders in the area admit they are now hesitant to park under the shade of the old trees, citing the increasing frequency of falling branches.
“We all appreciate the value of trees, but some of these are simply too old and dangerous. Town settings are different, and human developments sometimes weaken root systems. The government should put in place clear guidelines on the lifespan and management of such trees,” said resident Andrew Lipale.
He suggested that authorities map out overgrown trees within Kapenguria, cut down those deemed hazardous, and replace them with younger, healthier ones to balance safety and environmental sustainability.
“It shouldn’t get to the point where a tree falls on its own before action is taken. Human life must come first, especially now that the town’s layout has changed,” Lipale added.
According to residents, barely a month passes without reports of falling branches around government offices, reinforcing their plea for urgent intervention before tragedy strikes.
