KFS, NEMA ordered to revoke licenses for Karura Golf Range project in Ngong
By Lucy Mumbi |
He noted that his office will provide a way forward on the matter which has attracted great public interest.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Chief Conservator of Forests have been directed to suspend the licenses issued to Karura Golf Range Ltd for the development of an entertainment facility within Ngong Road Forest in Nairobi County.
In a statement on Tuesday, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale issued the directive to NEMA Director General Mamo Boru Mamo and Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko following concerns over the encroachment on protected forest land.
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The licenses, granted by NEMA, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and the Kenya Pipeline Company, had approved the establishment of a golf range, restaurant, and mini golf park on forest land. However, the move has sparked public outrage due to the perceived threat to the forest's conservation.
Duale also highlighted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) License No. NEMA/IEA/PSL/36483, which was issued to the company by NEMA on November 28, 2024.
The CS further directed the suspension of the two licenses and instructed Mamo and Lemarkoko to prepare a detailed brief on the issue within 72 hours.
"My attention has this evening been drawn to a Special Use License (LIC005/2023) issued to Karura Golf Range Ltd by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) on 14th June 2023 for the development, operation and management of a golf range, restaurant and mini golf park in Ngong Road Forest, Nairobi County. Also brought to my attention is an Environmental Impact Assessment (IEA) Licesense No. NEMA/IEA/PSL/36483 issued to the aforesaid company by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on 28th November 2024," Duale said.
“Consequently, I have directed the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and the Director General of NEMA to suspend the two licenses and prepare a detailed brief on the matter within 72 hours.”
He noted that his office will provide a way forward on the matter which has attracted great public interest.
Additionally, Duale instructed KFS to refrain from issuing any new special-use licenses and announced that an audit of all previously issued licenses would be carried out to ensure transparency and accountability.
KFS, which is responsible for the protection and management of state forests, has not yet explained how the approval for the development was granted.
The special-use license for Karura Golfing Ltd was issued on June 14, 2023, allowing the project to proceed within Ngong Road Forest.
The latest controversy follows public outcry over the Kenya Forest Service’s approval of a 51.64-acre wayleave in Karura Forest, granted to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for the expansion of Kiambu Road.
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