Kenya Forest Service suspends development of Ngong Forest eco-camp
KFS acknowledged the concerns, saying the issues raised have been shared through the press, social media and phone calls.
Following concerns over the development of a bush eco-camp within Ngong Road Forest’s Sanctuary block, the Kenya Forest Service has now suspended the development.
In a statement on Saturday, May 2025, KFS acknowledged the concerns, saying the issues raised have been shared through the press, social media, and phone calls.
It notes that there are public concerns about the destruction or grabbing of the forest that may have occurred.
"Kenya Forest Service seeks to make clarification that the site in question is a glade, which is a natural opening within a natural forest that normally does not have any trees, only bushes and grass. Hence, during the development of this eco-camp, no trees have been cleared," read the statement.
The Service adds that the eco-camp is being developed in an area which has been clearly captured in the Ngong Road Forest green master plan as an ecotourism zone.
It notes that: "The master plan 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."
"The Kenya Forest Service approved issuance of a Special Use License in accordance with the Law, which provides for non-extractive use of natural forests as provided for in the Forest Participation Regulations and further guided by Legal Notice No. 21 of 2016 and the fees and charges to apply," continues the statement.
It adds that Ngong Road Forest Association, a community forest entity that co-manages the forest in collaboration with the Service, has also been struggling with varying opinions within its membership.
"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," explains the statement.
"However, the applicant was unable to proceed with the museum, citing inability to meet the financial obligations of a Special Use License."
Additionally, KFS claims that the unnamed person in collaboration with other members of a known civil society organization has created the misinformation that is currently circulating concerning development of the eco-camp.
"There is clear bias, and the public is advised to seek clarification from Kenya Forest Service regarding any information about gazetted forests," said KFS.
To address the matter, KFS will convene a roundtable discussion with all stakeholders.
"As of now, all activities relating to development of the eco-camp stands (sic) suspended," concluded the statement.
The statement follows concerns, notably from the Green Belt Movement, claiming that a luxurious hotel is being built inside Ngong Road Forest, calling for an immediate investigation into its legality and environmental impact.
"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? @KeForestService must urgently explain how a forest reserve is being handed to private developers," said Green Belt in a post on X.
