The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has responded to online claims alleging irregularities in the development of a bush eco-camp within Ngong Road Forest, firmly stating that the project is legal and part of an approved management plan.
According to a statement issued by KFS, the eco-camp—featuring tents on semi-permanent infrastructure—was greenlit following a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and stakeholder consultations involving the Community Forest Association.
The development falls under the ongoing enhancement of the Sanctuary block, which includes installation of an electric fence to improve security and control access.
KFS emphasized that the project aims to provide Nairobi residents with a new green recreational space, reducing pressure on the heavily visited Karura Forest, which receives over 80,000 visitors monthly.
The initiative is being supported by I&M Foundation, which is contributing KSh. 200 million towards the Sanctuary’s development.
However, controversy has erupted after the Greenbelt Movement raised alarm over the eco-camp’s legality, releasing a letter that KFS now says is misleading and risks inciting public concern. The agency has urged the public to seek official clarification directly from KFS on all matters involving protected forests.
In its statement, KFS also highlighted new financial regulations requiring all payments—whether for access, licensing, or forest use—to be made through government platforms.
Historic Land-Grabbing Cases in Protected Forests
This controversy resurfaces memories of past illegal developments in gazetted forests. Notably:
- Mau Forest Complex (2008–2019): Thousands of hectares were illegally settled and cleared for farming, prompting a massive eviction campaign.
- Ngong Forest Encroachment (2015): Over 200 illegal structures were demolished after a task force discovered unauthorized developments threatening Nairobi’s green belt.
- Kikuyu Escarpment Forest (2020): Land cartels were exposed for selling forest land to unsuspecting buyers; arrests were made and title deeds revoked.
- In 2025, the Karura Land Controversy reignited tensions over the protection of Nairobi’s Karura Forest, a gazetted urban reserve long targeted by land grabbers. KFS clarified that the widespread tree cutting was only to get rid of mature trees that were earmarked for logging.
