Green Belt Movement sues to halt annexation of Karura Forest for road expansion

The Green Belt Movement has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the government's proposal to annex 51.64 acres of Karura Forest for the expansion of Kiambu Road.

The environmental organisation has urged Kenyans to take action and protect Karura, describing it as a vital part of the nation’s heritage.

In the case filed in court, the Green Belt Movement contends that the land will be used for the dealing of Kiambu Road, and claims that a private entity was granted a special user licence for this purpose without the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) or the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

The movement argues that the decision to proceed with the road expansion, which includes the approval of a recreational facility and an ablution block, without obtaining the necessary EIA is a reckless move that prioritises short-term economic gains over the long-term environmental health of the country.

"This is a deeply misguided and detrimental move that puts the short-term economic gain of a small minority ahead of the long-term well-being of the nation’s environment and future generations," reads the petition.

The Green Belt Movement is now seeking a court order to quash the agreement between the Government of Kenya and Sinohydro Corporation Limited, or any other parties, for the dualling of Kiambu Road without an EIA licence.

"Petitioner contends that the participants were never informed of the amount of land that would be utilised from Karura Forest, the species that would be displaced, the biodiversity to be lost, or any alternatives to the project. This lack of transparency denied the public the opportunity to fully assess the impact and provide meaningful feedback," reads the court documents.

The Green Belt Movement has long been at the forefront of opposing government projects that threaten the country's green spaces. The organisation has been vocal in its efforts to protect environmental areas from encroachment or activities that could lead to their degradation.

Currently, the movement is in a legal battle with the Nairobi County Government over plans to privatise Central and Uhuru parks. The county’s approval to lease the parks for events through a public-private partnership has sparked significant backlash.

The Movement has revealed that it is pursuing a court case to challenge the decision.

In a post on X on December 3, the organisation strongly criticised Governor Johnson Sakaja’s plans, stating, “Not again Governor Sakaja. Uhuru Park and Central Park are public property. We will not watch as you privatise the only remaining green spaces in Nairobi. See you back in court on December 10, 2024, for the hearing of the ongoing petition about these two parks.”

In defence of the decision, the Nairobi County Cabinet argued that the privatisation of the parks would be a key revenue generator for the city and would draw more visitors to these recreational spaces.

“With increasing urban demands, innovative approaches are needed to enhance their infrastructure, attract investment, and ensure public access. The cabinet has approved the leasing and renting of designated spaces and units within the parks, paving the way for a phased implementation that aligns with legal, environmental, and urban development goals,” the Cabinet said.