The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has attributed the stalling of a multi-billion shilling bush eco-camp project in the Sanctuary Block of Ngong Road Forest to internal disputes within community forest associations and interference from vested interests in civil society.
KFS emphasized that the project is fully compliant with all legal requirements and is situated in an area clearly designated as an ecotourism zone in the Ngong Road Forest green master plan. This plan was developed through extensive public participation and approved by relevant stakeholders.
However, following protests and concerns raised by civil society groups, KFS was compelled to halt all construction activities at the site. On Saturday, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, accompanied by commandant Mohamed Mohamed, officially announced the suspension of the project pending comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders.
“The activities in this particular facility are hereby suspended. There will be no activity ongoing here until we undertake a comprehensive consultative meeting with all stakeholders,” Lemarkoko stated.
According to forest laws, KFS is allowed to generate revenue by permitting investors to establish eco-lodges in protected areas, as long as strict conditions are met. Lemarkoko highlighted ongoing internal disagreements within the Ngong Road Community Forest Association, which co-manages the forest with KFS under the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016.
KFS dismissed environmental damage claims made by opponents of the eco-camp, stating that thorough assessments found no significant negative environmental impacts. The Special Use License for the project was legally issued under Forest Participation Regulations and Legal Notice No. 21 of 2016, which governs non-extractive uses of natural forests.
Tensions are further fueled by competing interests within the community forest association. KFS revealed that one member previously sought to develop a Green Kids Museum on an eight-acre section of the same site but abandoned the plan due to financial constraints. This individual, along with allied civil society members, is allegedly spreading misinformation about the eco-camp development, prompting KFS to urge the public to verify information directly from the service.
The Kenya Forest Service suggests that some opposition may stem from groups that failed to secure licensing for their own projects in the area.
One of the vocal critics, the Green Belt Movement (GBM), expressed serious environmental and ethical concerns in a letter dated May 15. The movement underscored the forest’s vital ecological functions—carbon capture, air purification, water catchment—and its role as a recreational and educational green space hosting endangered species.
GBM has demanded detailed disclosures from KFS, including the identity of the developer, the approval process, and any Environmental Impact Assessment reports and licenses issued by the National Environment Management Authority.
This controversy arises amid ongoing efforts to create a premier green space for Nairobi residents, aimed at easing the heavy visitor load on Karura Forest, which receives over 80,000 monthly visitors. The I&M Foundation has invested roughly Sh200 million in developing the Sanctuary Block.
To resolve the dispute, KFS plans to convene a roundtable discussion with all concerned stakeholders to address and clarify the issues at hand.
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