News on proposed trunk sewer 30/11/2021

Some of our regular users of Ngong Road Forest in the Miotoni and Sanctuary sections may have noticed some red markings on trees in the last few weeks.

We wanted to share with you as community users and friends of the forest what these markings are and what is going on.

First and foremost, we want to reassure you that these trees were not marked for felling by us - NRFA - Ngong Road Forest Association.

Recently it has come to our attention that as part of a needed plan to upgrade and improve major sewage infrastructure, by Athi River Water Company, a new trunk sewer line has been surveyed.

The proposed (and so far preferred) route is intended to follow the Motoine River/Wetlands line along the Riparian section of our dear forest. The new sewer line requires many trees to make way for its construction.

The route identified by the proponents is to follow the river line, including along some adjacent footpaths/trails through the forest as it passes from Karinde to Kibera end point. Inevitably construction of the trunk sewer will cause a lot of disruption, destruction and biodiversity loss.

It goes without saying that NRFA strongly objects to this needless destruction of mature trees and indigenous habitat, and there

fore we have proposed an alternative route that is currently being considered by the proponents.

Together with the Kenya Forest Service KFS we have insisted on the necessary and required Environmental Impact Assessment to be conducted, and as per the law, a period of public consultation will be carried out.

NRFA’s main objective, together with KFS, is to fence & secure the remaining 4 sections of the Ngong Road Forest, thereby improving safety and accessibility for the public. Also that the forest is appreciated for its potential to follow the Karura Forest model, within the city environs of southern Nairobi, while getting the same recognition as additional vital green space for city residents.

For now we intend to keep you all, our valued supporters, updated and informed along the way, and we are so thankful for your ongoing enjoyment and support of Nairobi’s largest city forest.

Thank you - Simon Woods NRFA Chairman

An aerial view of Ngong Road Forest

SYKES' MONKEYS IN NGONG ROAD FOREST

Sykes’ monkeys were named after English naturalist Colonel William Henry Sykes,they are also known as the white-throated monkey or Samango monkey. They love forest canopies to help shield them from the sun and predators; and they do not often reach the ground because they love the shade of the tall trees. The trees are safe for them.

Sykes monkeys have an average life span of around 27 years in the wild. They can range from 50 to 70cm in body length the males can weigh between 6-9kg and females 3-6kg. Majority of their co louring is grey, but they do have a blackish tail, limbs and shoulders with some chest-nut patches on their back and face. They have a white chin and throat and a white ruff that extends around part of their neck. They have gorgeous brown/orange eyes with a slightly large squashed nose.

Unlike the colobus Sykes eat a wide range of foods and are omnivorous and opportunistic; especially when it comes to unsuspecting tourists. Their main diet is shoots, fruits, leaves, flowers and berries, but they do also consume eggs, insects and any human food they can get their hands on.