Controversy erupts over plans for luxury hotel in Ngong Forest

The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has voiced alarm over suspected encroachment into Ngong Forest, where the development of a luxury hotel near the sanctuary has reportedly begun.

In a letter to Kenya Forest Service (KFS) CEO Alexander Lemarkoko, the environmental organization urged swift action, cautioning that such encroachments threaten protected forests that play a critical role as water catchment zones and wildlife habitats.

GBM has also requested further information about the hotel currently being built, seeking clarity on the identity of the owner and who granted the approval for the project.

"The Ngong Road Forest is a vital ecological and biodiversity asset within Nairobi. It plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem services such as carbon absorption, air purification, and the protection of water catchment areas. Additionally, it offers valuable recreational and educational opportunities for the city’s residents. The forest is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including some that are classified as endangered," the statement highlighted.

GBM stated, "We have received reports indicating that a private developer has initiated construction activities inside this forest. Should this be verified, it would present significant environmental, legal, and ethical challenges. Therefore, we formally request your office to provide the following details."

The Green Belt Movement has called on the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to reveal the identity of the developer behind the luxury hotel being built near Ngong Forest.

They also want clarification on how the developer was granted permission to undertake the construction.

Additionally, GBM has requested that KFS release the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report along with the license issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for the project.

This controversy over the luxury hotel’s construction near Ngong Forest follows recent actions by KFS and NEMA, who suspended previously granted licenses to a private developer for a golf course and restaurant in the same area.

The suspensions came after public backlash, as both agencies were initially reluctant to address concerns regarding these commercial ventures.

Environmentalists opposed the earlier approval granted to Karura Golf Range Limited, warning that such developments pose a threat to Nairobi’s rapidly diminishing urban green spaces.

In response, both the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) wrote to the developer, outlining several reasons for revoking the licenses.

NEMA’s letter highlighted that the proposed site is located within an existing pipeline wayleave and a public forest with significant biodiversity value.

The authority stressed the importance of public participation, a thorough compatibility assessment, and a quantitative risk analysis to evaluate the project's feasibility and environmental impact.

NEMA ordered a new environmental impact assessment and officially revoked the previously issued license.

Its Director General, Mamo Mamo, stated that the project cannot move forward without a new license.

Similarly, KFS informed the developer that the company had failed to submit an EIA report showing evidence of public participation and had also neglected to occupy the licensed area within 12 months of signing the agreement.