Environment CS Duale order revocation of Ngong forest land lease for restaurant development following uproar
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered the immediate revocation of a special license issued to a private developer to construct an entertainment joint within Ngong Road Forest.
Duale moved swiftly to temporarily suspend the controversial special use agreement of a private developer who had acquired rights to build a restaurant and golf range inside the precincts of the Ngong Forest.
Also, Duale ordered the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General Mamo Boru Mamo and Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko to formalise the suspension of the licences.
Duale further directed Mamo and Lemarkoko to prepare and deliver a detailed brief to his office on the matter within the next three days NEMA, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) had allowed the private developer to set up a leisure and entertainment facility on forest land, triggering a public uproar.
Through an X post on his official account yesterday evening, the CS called to question the move directing the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to suspend all licenses.
“My attention has been drawn to a Special Use License issued by the Kenya Forest Service on June 14, 2023, for the development, operation, and management of a golf range, restaurant, and mini golf park in Ngong Road Forest.” Duale announced.
“Consequently, I have directed the Chief Conservator of Forests and the Director General of NEMA to suspend the two licenses and prepare a detailed brief on the matter within 72 hours.” Duale added.
The move by KFS lease the forest and NEMA’s approval of the same sparked public uproar and outrage following a memo from the Kenya Forestry Service who had, through a circular, provided greenlight to the developer to proceed with project implementation.
This also follows the National Environment Management authority (NEMA) certifying an impact assessment report dated November 28, 2024 as produced by Karura Golf Range Limited and afterwards issuing a license.
KFS was also expressly ordered to desist further from issuing any further special licenses until a comprehensive audit had been done on all licenses done previously for purposes of accountability.
CS Duale also gave an assurance to the public that his Ministry would provide a pathway forward in the matter that has generated heat.
This issue is also coming against the backdrop of a KENHA (Kenya National Highways Authority) facing off with the members of the public due to extension of Kiambu Road into a section of Karura Forest after getting clearance from the Management of the facility and Conservation Activists.
The GreenBelt Movement went to court seeking orders to stop the annexation of 51.6 hectares for the road expansion project.
“Dear Kenyans, we honor our independence, let us ask ourselves, how free we, our forests and public land are still under threat. Our future depends on protecting these treasures. Karura is our heritage and we must act now to stop this malicious encroachment.” The protest note read in part.
