By John Mutiso
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has addressed reports that the construction of the Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp within the Maasai Mara National Reserve is blocking wildebeest migration routes and wildlife river crossings.
In a statement on November 27, KWS said the images, pictures, and narratives circulating online relate to historical events that were addressed in previous years, around 2018 and 2020.
“Several of the images, pictures, and narratives circulating online relate to historical events that were addressed in previous years, around 2018 and 2020. These materials are outdated, misleading, or presented without proper context, and may also reflect opposing and competing commercial interests surrounding tourism investments in Mara,” read part of the statement.
“Therefore, we encourage the public to rely on verified and official information to ensure that the general public is not misguided.”
Additionally, KWS clarified that the Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp lies within a designated low-use tourism investment zone under the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan 2023–2032.
The zoning was guided by extensive scientific and ecological assessments conducted in collaboration with national and county authorities to ensure alignment with conservation priorities.
The clarification comes after a lawsuit filed by Maasai elder and conservationist Meitamei Olol Dapash, who accused Ritz-Carlton and its parent company, Marriott Lodge, of ignoring local opposition and bypassing environmental regulations to build the camp.
He also argued that the site lies directly in the path of migrating wildebeest, zebra, and other wildlife, potentially disrupting an ecosystem already under pressure from booming tourism.
However, Marriott maintained that it complied with all legal requirements and conducted a proper environmental impact assessment, though some residents claim that their consent was fabricated.
“Preservation of wildlife migration for us is a treasure we cannot afford to lose,” Dapash said.
