Win for conservationists as KFS halts construction of camp in Ngong forest

Cabinet Secretary Environment and Forest CS Deborah Barasa distributes seedlings during Tupande Trees at One A Care Fund Grounds, Kakamega on April 9, 2025 [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

A push by the Green Belt Movement has led to the suspension of a planned eco-camp in Nairobi's Ngong forest, following public outcry over its legality, transparency and environmental impact.

On Saturday, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) halted all construction activities linked to the project after growing anger from conservationists, residents and the wider public.

"This is a significant and necessary first step in upholding the integrity of one of Nairobi's most important urban green spaces. We welcome the decision by the Chief Conservator of Forests to halt all construction activities within the Ngong Road Forest," said the Green Belt Movement in a statement.

The project had drawn backlash across social media, airwaves and community meetings, with questions raised over whether a public forest was being quietly handed over to private interests.

"There are public concerns of destruction or grabbing of the forest. As of now, all activities relating to the development of the eco-camp stand suspended," said KFS in a statement.

KFS defended the project, describing the site as a "natural glade" containing grass and shrubs but no trees. It said the development followed legal procedures and fell within the Ngong Road Forest Green Master Plan, which designates some areas for ecotourism.

"No trees have been cleared. The project was approved procedurally, assessed and found to have no extreme negative environmental impacts," said KFS.

Still, Green Belt sees the move as a major test of Kenya's broader commitment to environmental accountability and civic engagement.

"We are deeply encouraged by the swift and widespread public response. Your voices made it clear that our forests are not for sale," the group noted.

Referencing the legacy of its founder, Nobel Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai, the Movement vowed to keep pushing for transparency in forest governance.

"We urge the Kenya Forest Service and relevant authorities to respond formally, release all requested documentation and recommit to public accountability in all forest governance matters. Forests are our lifeline. We will not stand down," the lobby group noted.

The group is demanding disclosure on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment was carried out, if public participation took place as required by law and whether any part of the forest was quietly excised.

"Until these questions are answered transparently, the threat to our forests is far from over," the group warned.