Kenya Forest Addresses Uproar Over Luxury Hotel Being Built In Ngong Forest
KFS responded to the Greenbelt Movement, which had voiced concerns about the camp's construction, pointing out that the project was taking place within a forested area.
Marvin Chege 
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has addressed reports of encroachment on Ngong Forest, following sightings of a luxury hotel being constructed within the sanctuary.
In a statement on Friday, May 16, KFS clarified that a bush eco-camp is being constructed within the forest, a camp which will comprise tents on semi-permanent infrastructures. This, KFS states, is an approved development under the Ngong Road Forest Management Plan.
Additionally, all procedures, including public participation, were undertaken before the commencement of construction.
"The Sanctuary block of Ngong Road Forest is currently undergoing significant enhancements, including the installation of an electric fence to bolster its security, enhance natural regeneration, and provide controlled access to the forest block," stated KFS in part.
Ongoing construction of a hotel within the Ngong Forest as of May 15, 2025. /GREEN BELT MOVEMENT
"Prior to the issuance of the license for the camp, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was prepared in accordance with established laws and procedures. Furthermore, a public participation process, conducted in collaboration with the Community Forest Association, garnered the endorsement of relevant stakeholders."
The service also backed the ongoing construction, stating that the project aims to transform the forest into a top destination for city dwellers and Kenyans seeking green recreational spaces. According to KFS, this would alleviate the substantial visitor pressure on Karura Forest, which currently receives over 80,000 visitors monthly.
The service, however, expressed its steadfastness in its commitment to safeguarding and sustainably conserving all forest resources, a commitment realised through collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders and forest-adjacent communities. One of the stakeholders, I&M Foundation, is revealed to be making a significant contribution of approximately Ksh200 million towards the development of the Sanctuary block.
"In addition, the KFS is instituting strict fiscal regulations stipulating that all payments for forest resources, such as visitor access, venue hire, licenses and fees must be paid directly via government payment platforms. This is applicable for all forests, including Ngong Road and Karura Forest stations," added the statement.
KFS then responded to the Greenbelt Movement, which had voiced concerns about the camp's construction, pointing out that the project was taking place within a forested area. The service, however, accused the movement, a long-standing partner, of disseminating what appears to be misleading information.
"This information, contained in a letter ostensibly addressed to the Service, risks inciting public discontent regarding the status of Ngong Road Forest. The public is advised to seek clarification from the Kenya Forest Service on all matters relating to gazetted forests for confirmation of facts and to enhance dissemination of accurate information," added KFS.
According to the movement, a private developer began construction within this forest area, a development which threatened to raise serious environmental, legal, and ethical concerns.
In a demand letter to KFS, the Greenbelt Movement had called for the identity of the private developer behind the project to be disclosed and for the construction to be halted, citing environmental risks.
The movement argued that building a hotel in the heart of the forest threatens protected ecosystems, including vital water catchment areas and natural habitats, and is pushing for immediate action.
They had also demanded transparency on how the developer was granted permission to carry out the project and want KFS to release the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and the license issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
This development came just months after KFS revoked licenses previously given to a private developer for a golf course and restaurant in Ngong Road Forest.
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