Construction near Ngong Forest sanctuary has sparked controversy. PHOTO/KFS
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GBM Raises Environmental Alarm
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has voiced serious concern following the discovery of a luxury hotel construction project inside Ngong Forest. The environmental NGO is calling for an immediate halt to the development and has written to Kenya Forest Service (KFS) demanding transparency and action.
Urgent Questions Sent to KFS
In a formal letter addressed to KFS CEO Alexander Lemarkoko, GBM requested clarification on the identity of the developer, details of project authorization, and compliance with environmental laws.
“Ngong Road Forest is a critical ecological and biodiversity resource,” the statement read. “Encroachment threatens vital ecosystem services, including water catchment, carbon storage, and air purification.”
NEMA Steps In: License Revoked
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has since intervened. The agency revoked the initial license granted to Karura Golf Range Limited, citing multiple legal and environmental issues. These include the developer’s failure to submit a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and occupy the licensed land within the stipulated 12 months.
Call for Public Participation
NEMA stressed that any future development in the area must involve public participation, a compatibility study, and risk analysis. Until then, no construction is allowed to proceed.
What’s Next for Ngong Forest?
The controversy underscores the ongoing struggle between conservation efforts and urban development in Kenya. GBM and other environmentalists are urging citizens and authorities to protect Nairobi’s shrinking green spaces before it’s too late.
Related: Karura Forest Development Row
