The Kenya Forest Service now says vested interests from civil society as well as infighting between community forest associations resulted in the stalling of a bush eco-camp in the Sanctuary Block, Ngong Road Forest.
KFS said the ongoing multi-billion shilling project is above board, as all the requisite laws were adhered to.
“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. The master plan was developed, verified and adopted by stakeholders following intensive public participation,” KFS said.
The service has been forced to halt all activities at the site after uproar from civil society.
On Saturday, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, accompanied to the controversial site by commandant Mohamed Mohamed, announced that the project had been halted.
“The activities in this particular facility are hereby suspended. There will be no activity ongoing here until we undertake a comprehensive consultative meeting with all stakeholders,” Lemarkoko said.
Forest laws allow KFS to explore ways of making money, including allowing investors to put up eco-lodges in protected areas, provided stringent conditions are met.
Lemarkoko said the Ngong Road Community Forest Association has been struggling with varying opinions with membership.
KFS said the project would not harm nature as claimed by those opposed to it.
“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.”
KFS said the Ngong Road Forest Association, which is a community forest association that co-manages the forest in collaboration with the service as espoused in the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016, 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 acres on the same site where the eco-camp is being developed.”
KFS said the applicant was unable to proceed with the museum, citing inability to meet the financial obligations of a special use licence.
“This same person, in collaboration with other members of a known civil society, has created the misinformation that is currently circulating concerning the development of the eco-camp. There is clear bias, and the public is advised to seek clarification from the Kenya Forest Service regarding any information about gazetted forests.”
According to KFS, the ongoing controversy could have been stirred by vested interests, as some of the organisations that had applied for the same space failed to meet the licensing requirements.
The Green Belt Movement had raised concerns about the new project.
In the letter, GBM said the forest is critical ecology and biodiversity in Nairobi.
"The Green Belt Movement writes to express our deep concern and seek immediate clarification regarding reports of an ongoing construction of a luxury hotel within the Ngong Road Forest, adjacent to the sanctuary," the movement said in a letter dated May 15.
The movement said the forest provides essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, air purification and water catchment protection.
It also serves as recreational and educational green space for city residents.
It is also a home to diverse flora and fauna, some of which are endangered.
"It has come to our attention that a private developer has begun construction within this forest area. This development, if confirmed, raises serious environmental, legal and ethical concerns."
The movement has since made some demands from the Kenya Forest Service.
"In light of the above, we respectfully demand the following information from your office. The identity of the developer undertaking construction within Ngong Road Forest."
The Green Belt Movement has also asked KFS to provide a detailed outline of the process through which the said developer was granted access or rights to carry out any form of construction within a protected forest area.
It has also demanded a copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and licence as issued by the National Environment Management Authority, if any, with respect to the project.
The ongoing controversy comes at a time when there are ongoing efforts to establish a premier green space for Nairobi residents, thereby alleviating the substantial visitor pressure on Karura Forest, which currently receives over 80,000 visitors monthly.
The I&M Foundation has invested approximately Sh200 million towards the development of the sanctuary block.
KFS is set to convene a round table discussion with stakeholders to address the concerns.
