Kenya Forest Service Statement on Camp Construction in Ngong Road Forest

Kenya Forest Service is aware of the various concerns that have been raised regarding development of a bush eco-camp in Sanctuary block, Ngong Road Forest. The issues raised have been shared through the press, social media and phone calls and there are public concerns of destruction or grabbing of the forest that may have occurred. Kenya Forest Service seeks to make clarification that the site in question is a glade which is a natural opening within a natural forest that normally does not have any trees, only bushes and grass. Hence, during the development of this eco-camp, no trees have been cleared.

The eco-camp is being developed in an area which has been clearly captured in the Ngong Road Forest green master plan as an ecotourism zone. The master plan was developed, verified and adopted by stakeholders following intensive public participation. The project to develop a bush eco-camp was approved procedurally having been assessed and no extreme negative environmental impacts were identified. The Kenya Forest Service approved issuance of a Special Use License in accordance with the Law, which provides for non-extractive use of natural forests as provided for in the Forest Participation Regulations and further guided by Legal Notice No. 21 of 2016 and the fees and charges to apply.

The Ngong Road Forest Association which is a Community Forest Association that Co-manages this forest in collaboration with the Service as espoused in the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016, has also been struggling with varying opinions within its membership. Most notably, one of the members is known to have applied to develop a Green Kids Museum Project which was to occupy eight (8) acres on the same site where the eco-camp is being developed. However, the applicant was unable to proceed with the museum citing inability to meet the financial obligations of a Special Use License. This same person in collaboration with other members of a known Civil Society has created the misinformation that is currently circulating concerning development of the eco-camp. There is clear bias and the public is advised to seek clarification from Kenya Forest Service regarding any information about gazetted forests.

To handle this matter, Kenya Forest Service will convene a roundtable discussion with all stakeholders to address all concerns. As of now, all activities relating to development of the eco-camp stands suspended.

For further information, contact:
Corporate Communications Department
info@kenyaforestservice.org | www.kenyaforestservice.org