Green Belt Movement demands probe into hotel construction in Ngong Road Forest
The organisation has now demanded that the KFS disclose the identity of the developer undertaking construction within the forest.
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has raised an alarm over reports of a luxurious hotel being built inside Ngong Road Forest, calling for an immediate investigation into its legality and environmental impact.
In a letter dated May 15, 2025, addressed to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, the environmental organisation demanded urgent clarification on the matter, questioning how a protected forest reserve could be handed over to private developers without transparency.
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“Dear Kenyans, a luxury hotel is being built inside Ngong Road Forest, next to the sanctuary. Who approved this? Where is the EIA? Was the public consulted? Kenya Forest Service must urgently explain how a forest reserve is being handed to private developers,” the movement said on Thursday on X.
It noted that it had received information that construction of a hotel was underway near the sanctuary section of the forest, prompting fears of ecological degradation and violation of the law.
“It has come to our attention that a private developer has begun construction within this forest area. This development, if confirmed, raises serious environmental, legal, and ethical concerns,” the movement wrote.
GBM further highlighted the significance of Ngong Road Forest, saying it plays a critical role in Nairobi’s ecosystem.
“As you are aware, Ngong Road Forest is a critical ecological and biodiversity resource in Nairobi. It provides essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, air purification, water catchment protection, and serves as an important recreational and educational green space for the city’s residents. It is also home to diverse flora and fauna, some of which are endangered,” the letter read.
The organisation has now demanded that the KFS disclose the identity of the developer undertaking construction within the forest, provide a detailed explanation of how the said developer obtained access or rights to carry out any form of development in the protected area, and furnish a copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and license issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), if one exists.
This is not the first time the integrity of Ngong Road Forest has come under threat. Earlier this year, the KFS and NEMA suspended licenses they had granted to Karura Golf Range Limited for the development of a golf course and a restaurant in the Miotoni Block of the forest, following public uproar.
The decision was triggered by former Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who intervened by ordering a review of the approval process.
The suspension followed concerns from environmentalists who warned that encroachments by private developers were rapidly shrinking Nairobi’s already limited green spaces. The project had received clearance not only from KFS and NEMA but also from the Kenya Pipeline Company.
In response to Duale’s directive, both KFS and NEMA issued letters to Karura Golf Range Limited, listing reasons for halting the project and signalling a possible shift in policy to protect forest land from commercial development.
GBM has urged relevant agencies to provide full disclosure and halt any development that threatens the ecological integrity of Ngong Road Forest.
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