Civil society groups and community forest defenders, including Greenpeace Africa, staged protests in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as they marched from Uhuru Park to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.
The protesters called for an end to deforestation and stronger legal protection for Kenya’s forests, carrying a petition signed by more than 60,000 citizens.
The demonstration temporarily disrupted traffic along parts of the city centre as the groups headed to the government offices to present their petition to Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa.
Greenpeace Africa questioned how much destruction of Kenya’s forest ecosystems would have to take place before the government takes action.
“How many water towers must be flattened for a golf course before the government acts?” Greenpeace Africa asked.
The environmental organisation said Kenyans had taken the campaign to protect forests directly to the ministry.
“Kenyans have taken the movement to protect their forests straight to the source: Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Deborah Barasa,” Greenpeace Africa said.
The group said more than 60,000 citizens had signed the petition over concerns about the future of forest ecosystems in Upper Imenti and Ngong Road.
“Over 60,000 citizens refuse to watch sacred ecosystems in Upper Imenti and Ngong Road get carved up behind closed doors,” Greenpeace Africa said.
The protesters also accused authorities of failing to adequately involve communities in decisions affecting forests, demanding greater transparency in the process.
“No more quiet approvals. No more fake consultations,” the organisation said.
Greenpeace Africa said the petition seeks permanent legal protection for Kenya’s forests, rather than developments it described as luxury real estate.
“We demand permanent legal protection for Kenya’s forests, not luxury real estate!” the organisation said.
DJ Krowbar joins protest
Among those who joined the protest was gospel DJ Karumba Ngatia, alias DJ Krowbar, who said he had gone to the Ministry of Environment for two main reasons.
“Out here outside the Ministry of Environment for two reasons…” DJ Krowbar said.
He claimed that CS Deborah Barasa had remained silent over what he described as the destruction of forests for state projects.
“1. The CS Deborah Barasa has been extremely silent for the many forests being put down by the State for the sake of opening State Lodges, Golf Courses and Airstrips,” he said.
Krowbar said the second reason for his presence was to submit the petition containing more than 60,000 signatures.
“2. To submit over 60,000 PLUS signatures petitioning for HANDS OF OUR FOREST!!!” he said.
He linked the protection of forests to the country’s water resources, adding, “FORESTS = WATER = LIFE.”
Greenpeace calls for action
Greenpeace Africa urged Kenyans to support those taking part in the demonstration by engaging with and sharing its campaign.
“OVER 60,000 VOICES CANNOT BE SILENCED,” the organisation said.
The petition was subsequently presented at the Ministry of Environment, as the activists called for stronger and permanent safeguards for Kenya’s forests.
