Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has defended its decision to remove several mature acacia trees within its compound, saying the exercise was necessary to eliminate safety risks despite criticism over its impact on marabou storks that had nested there for years.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 2, 2026, the hospital said the African acacia trees were more than 30 years old and had become weak and decayed, posing a danger to patients, staff, visitors, property and the birds themselves.
"The affected African acacia trees, which were over 30 years old, had become aged and decayed, resulting in the frequent falling of branches and posing a significant safety risk. In the past, falling trees and branches have damaged steam pipes, fallen onto parked vehicles, created safety hazards and, regrettably, resulted in the death of some of the birds nesting in the trees," KNH said.
The hospital said the trees were removed following a technical assessment and ahead of the rainy season to reduce the risk of accidents caused by falling branches or collapsing trees.
KNH added that it is working with relevant government agencies to safeguard the affected marabou storks, including relocating them where necessary, while also planning to restore tree cover through a replanting programme.
"KNH regrets the disruption to the birds' habitat and will undertake a tree replacement programme by planting suitable tree species in appropriate locations across the hospital grounds as part of its commitment to environmental conservation and public safety," the hospital said.
The tree-cutting exercise triggered public concern after reports emerged that several marabou storks were killed or injured when their long-established nesting site was destroyed.
Animal welfare and conservation groups have since called for investigations into the incident, urging authorities to adopt wildlife-sensitive approaches to infrastructure management and to conduct environmental assessments before removing trees that serve as habitats for urban wildlife.
The incident has reignited debate over how to balance public safety and infrastructure maintenance with the conservation of Kenya's urban biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
The marabou stork, often dubbed the "undertaker bird" because of its distinctive appearance, is one of Africa's largest birds.
From behind, its dark back and wings resemble a cloak, while its long, slender white legs and occasional tuft of white feathers on its head contribute to its striking look. An adult marabou stands about 60 inches (1.5 metres) tall, weighs roughly 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and has an impressive 11-foot (3.4-metre) wingspan, one of the largest among living birds.