Along the busy stretch of Thika Superhighway, a growing movement is taking root literally. A group of passionate young environmentalists, led by Anthony Muruthi, a lecturer at the Nairobi National Polytechnic, is breathing new life into the road’s reserves by planting trees to fight back against vehicle emissions and the broader threat of climate change.
Each day, thousands of vehicles traverse this major highway, releasing harmful carbon emissions that contribute to global warming and pose serious health risks. In response, Muruthi and his team have launched a grassroots greening initiative aimed at transforming the highway into a corridor of clean air and natural shade.
“This isn’t just about planting trees,” said Muruthi during one of their recent planting sessions. “It’s about reclaiming our environment, improving public health, and offering simple comforts like shade and rest areas for travelers.”
The team is also advocating for the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to support their vision by allowing the installation of basic amenities such as public washrooms along the highway spaces that would benefit both motorists and pedestrians.
Muruthi sees this initiative not just as a climate solution, but also as a social one. He believes tree planting can open up new green job opportunities for youth, helping to steer them away from destructive habits like substance abuse.
Among the volunteers are students Sheringham Orodo and Humphrey Karani, who, along with their peers, have pledged to keep planting trees in support of President William Ruto’s national plan to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.
“This is about the future of our planet,” Orodo said. “We’re ready to keep going, but we need the government to back us with tools, seedlings, and logistical support. With that, we can do so much more.”
As more young Kenyans join in, the once bare road reserves along Thika Road are slowly transforming into green lungs proof that even in the face of climate change, local action can have a national impact.
