Construction of eco-camp in Ngong Road Forest suspended after uproar

All activities relating to the construction of a luxury eco-camp within the Ngong Road Forest have been suspended following public concern and pressure from conservation groups over the project’s legitimacy and environmental impact.

In a statement on Saturday, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) said the suspension is necessary to allow time for roundtable discussions with all stakeholders to address the public’s concerns.

It acknowledged the concerns that had emerged from the public, media and civil society regarding the development of a bush eco-camp in the Sanctuary Block of the forest.

“Kenya Forest Service is aware of the various concerns that have been raised regarding the development of a bush eco-camp in the Sanctuary Block, Ngong Road Forest. The issues raised have been shared through the press, social media and phone calls, and there are public concerns of destruction or grabbing of the forest that may have occurred,” the agency said.

The Service clarified that the site in question is not forested land but a natural glade, an open space within the forest that lacks trees and is instead covered with bushes and grass.

“Hence, during the development of this eco-camp, no trees have been cleared,” KFS said.

According to the agency, the development is taking place in an area designated as an ecotourism zone under the Ngong Road Forest Green Master Plan, which was “developed, verified and adopted by stakeholders following intensive public participation.”

“The project to develop a bush eco-camp was approved procedurally, having been assessed, and no extreme negative environmental impacts were identified,” KFS said.

The Kenya Forest Service added that a Special Use License was lawfully issued for the project, in accordance with the Forest Participation Regulations and guided by Legal Notice No. 21 of 2016, which allows for non-extractive use of natural forests. Applicable fees were also outlined, it said.

KFS further revealed that the Ngong Road Forest Association, a Community Forest Association that co-manages the forest alongside the Service under the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016, has experienced internal disagreements regarding the project.

“Most notably, one of the members is known to have applied to develop a Green Kids Museum Project, which was to occupy eight (8) acres on the same site where the eco-camp is being developed,” the agency said.

“However, the applicant was unable to proceed with the museum, citing inability to meet the financial obligations of a Special Use License.”

According to KFS, the same individual, in collaboration with members of a known civil society group, is responsible for spreading misinformation about the eco-camp project.

“There is clear bias, and the public is advised to seek clarification from the Kenya Forest Service regarding any information about gazetted forests,” the agency said.

In response to the uproar, KFS said it will convene a roundtable discussion involving all relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised.

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“As of now, all activities relating to the development of the eco-camp stand suspended,” KFS said.

The Green Belt Movement, which had sounded the alarm over the forest project, welcomed the suspension of the construction activities but maintained that several critical questions remain unanswered.

“We welcome the decision by the Chief Conservator of Forests to halt all construction activities within the Ngong Road Forest. This is a significant and necessary first step in upholding the integrity of one of Nairobi’s most important urban green spaces,” the organisation said.

The group lauded the role of civic engagement in pushing back against what it described as secretive and unsustainable development.

“We are deeply encouraged by the swift and widespread public response, especially your voices online, in community forums, and through partner organisations that made it clear that our forests are not for sale. Your engagement has been instrumental in pushing back against secretive and unsustainable development,” it said.

However, it expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency from relevant authorities.

“While the bulldozers may be silent for now, the silence from the authorities on key questions remains deafening,” the movement said.

It noted that the matter cannot be considered resolved until several key questions are answered. The organisation demanded to know the identity of the private developer behind the project, how permits and access to a protected forest were granted, and whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report exists.

It also questioned whether any public participation was conducted as required by law and whether any part of the Ngong Road Forest had been secretly excised.

“Until these questions are answered transparently, the threat to our forests is far from over,” the group said.

Reaffirming its commitment to forest protection, the Green Belt Movement urged KFS and other government agencies to formally respond and release all requested documentation related to the eco-camp.

“The Green Belt Movement remains committed to defending Kenya’s forests in the spirit and legacy of Prof. Wangari Maathai,” it said.

“We urge the Kenya Forest Service and relevant authorities to respond formally, release all requested documentation, and recommit to public accountability in all forest governance matters. Forests are our lifeline. We will not stand down.”