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27 August 2026 | Garissa, Kenya

Botanical Brigades, now a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO), has written to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) seeking environmental approval and guidance to remove old, overgrown and dangerously hanging Prosopis juliflora (Mathenge) trees from government premises across Garissa and replace them with indigenous trees.

At the time the letter was written, Botanical Brigades was operating as a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Garissa. The organisation has since transitioned to and is now registered as an NGO.

In the letter addressed to the Director General of NEMA, Botanical Brigades requested approval to address the proliferation of Mathenge trees within government premises in Garissa Township, including the Government Guest House, County Government offices and other public institutions.

Addressing Environmental and Public Safety Concerns

Botanical Brigades highlighted several environmental and public safety concerns associated with the unmanaged Mathenge trees.

Old and dry branches hanging over buildings and public areas can pose a public safety hazard, while dense Mathenge thickets suppress indigenous vegetation and contribute to the depletion of groundwater.

The organisation also noted that unmanaged thickets contribute to environmental degradation, reducing the aesthetic value of public spaces and making it more difficult to establish greener surroundings.

Replacing Mathenge with Indigenous Trees

Rather than simply removing the invasive trees, Botanical Brigades proposed a restoration programme that would replace them with indigenous and environmentally suitable species.

The proposed replacement trees include:

• Balanites aegyptiaca
• Dobera glabra
• Azadirachta indica
• Moringa oleifera

The initiative is aligned with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) 15 Billion Tree Growing Campaign, with Botanical Brigades committing to responsible removal, replacement and long-term care of the newly planted trees.

Responsible Removal and Circular Economy

The proposed removal would be carried out in phases under the supervision and guidance of KFS and NEMA, with no open burning of the removed vegetation.

Botanical Brigades also proposed converting the resulting biomass into clean briquettes, providing an opportunity to turn material from the removal exercise into a useful energy resource while supporting a circular-economy approach.

12-Month Aftercare Programme

Botanical Brigades has further committed to providing 12 months of watering and monitoring for the newly planted indigenous trees to improve their establishment and survival.

The organisation had also engaged the County Forest Conservator and KFS Garissa concerning the proposed intervention.

In its letter, Botanical Brigades requested NEMA headquarters to grant the necessary approval and facilitate a joint site inspection with the Garissa County Office to assess the affected locations and guide the proposed restoration work.

The initiative reflects Botanical Brigades' continuing commitment to its guiding principle:

“PLANT • PROTECT • RESTORE • FOR PEOPLE • FOR PLANET”

As a now registered NGO, Botanical Brigades continues to pursue environmental restoration and conservation initiatives aimed at protecting communities, restoring degraded landscapes and promoting the establishment of indigenous trees across Kenya.