The Environment and Forestry Ministry has told Parliament it will release all necessary information regarding the controversial hotel development within Ngong Forest, a public forest reserve, following growing public concern.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo and Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi gave this assurance on Thursday when they appeared before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, chaired by Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka.

In a formal request to the ministry, the committee demanded clarity on the legal ownership of the land inside Ngong Forest where construction is ongoing, and asked for a breakdown of the reasons behind the issuance of a special use license to the developer, Konyon Company Limited.

MPs also sought an explanation of how the project progressed to the construction stage despite widespread public objection and an official suspension.

The lawmakers further requested a detailed report outlining the individuals or companies behind the development and confirmation of whether necessary approvals, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), had been obtained.

In her response, CS Mlongo told the committee that the construction falls under laws that allow for eco-tourism development in public forests, referencing provisions in the Forest Conservation and Management Act (Cap 385), which covers tourism activities, permits, and sustainable use of indigenous forests.

She also explained that the Kenya Forest Service, which manages Ngong Forest, had developed a national Eco-tourism Development Master Plan (2024–2029) to guide environmentally responsible development of tourism and recreation facilities in Kenya’s forests.

“Hon. Members, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to transparent, accountable and sustainable forest management. This construction has been suspended pending further consultations and comprehensive audit for the good of environmental conservation,” said CS Mlongo.

Committee members appreciated the CS’s submission but expressed concern over the public outcry and lack of engagement with citizens.

“We want such information in good time. There has been public uproar even before doing impact assessment and this tells you that public participation was inadequate. From the Constitution of Kenya 2010, we cannot run away from public participation,” said Bura MP Yakub Adow.

The committee also shifted focus to a separate matter involving forest land near Moi International Airport in Eldoret, where members flagged what they termed gross undervaluation. The land was reportedly priced at Sh 500 million despite current estimates placing its worth at Sh3 billion.

Members noted that the issue of tree valuation is relatively new in Kenya and called for more time to examine the documents before issuing a verdict.

Njoro MP Charity Kathambi suggested that the committee should consider learning from other countries, such as South Africa, to establish proper policies that protect forest resources and ensure citizens benefit fairly.