Kenya Forest Service (KFS) suspended the ongoing construction of a luxury eco-camp within Ngong Forest, citing the need for further consultations following public concerns.
This followed protests and concerns the forest was being destroyed for the construction of the facility without following the law.
In a statement issued on May 17 2025, KFS clarified that the project, an alleged upscale camping facility located in the Sanctuary Block of Ngong Road Forest, had undergone a rigorous approval process.
“As of now, all activities relating to the development of the eco-camp stand suspended,” KFS said.
KFS said during the environmental assessment processes, the project was found not to pose any threats to the environment as the area was part of the forest’s designated ecotourism zone under the Ngong Road Forest Green Master Plan.
“The master plan was developed, verified, and adopted by stakeholders following intensive public participation,” KFS said.
KFS maintained that the development was procedurally approved after a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted in line with legal requirements, and that no extreme negative environmental impacts were identified.
It added the site under development is a glade, a natural clearing within the forest that contains only bushes and grass, and no trees have been felled.
KFS further said the facility comprises tents on semi-permanent structures and is not a luxury hotel, as has been widely reported on social media.
“This camp, comprising tents on semi-permanent infrastructure, is an approved development under the Ngong Road Forest Management Plan,” the statement read.
“A public participation process, conducted in collaboration with the Community Forest Association, garnered the endorsement of relevant stakeholders.”
It claimed the Sanctuary Block is currently undergoing significant upgrades, including the installation of an electric fence to enhance security.
The controversy was sparked by claims from the Greenbelt Movement, a nature conservation group, which alleged in a viral letter that a luxury hotel was being built inside the forest.
KFS then alleged that the uproar was being fueled by a disgruntled member of the Ngong Road Forest Association — a body that co-manages the forest alongside KFS — who was previously denied approval to construct a Green Kids Museum Project on the same site.
“The applicant was unable to proceed with the museum due to failure to meet the financial obligations of a Special Use License,” KFS said.
KFS urged the public to seek accurate information from the Service regarding activities within gazetted forests.
This comes months after the KFS and NEMA suspended licenses they had earlier issued to a private developer for a golf course and a restaurant in Ngong Forest after public outcry.
Then Environment Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, had directed the suspension of the license, calling for a fresh review of the whole process.
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