Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has admitted that there is an ongoing construction of an eco-hotel in Ngong Forest next to the sanctuary.

It also said the construction process was approved after a public participation exercise.

The admission comes after the Green Belt Movement raised an alarm on Friday of an ongoing construction, terming it an encroachment of the forest.

In a letter addressed to KFS chief executive officer Alexander Lemarkoko, Green Belt Movement also demanded that the identity of the private developer be revealed.

It also demanded that the construction be stopped since it poses a danger to the environment.

“As you are aware, Ngong Road Forest is a critical ecological and biodiversity resource in Nairobi. It provides essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, air purification and water catchment protection, and serves as an important recreational and educational green space for the city’s residents. It is also home to diverse flora and fauna, some of which are endangered,” said the Green Belt Movement in a letter dated May 15.

It added: “It has come to our attention that a private developer has begun construction within this forest area. This development, if confirmed, raises serious environmental, legal, and ethical concerns…..”

KFS responded, saying the development was approved though it did not mention the developer.

“The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has noted a recent document circulating on digital platforms alleging impropriety in the development of a bush eco-camp within Ngong Road Forest,” reads a KFS statement from the Corporate Communication Department.

It added: “KFS wishes to clarify that this camp, comprising tents on semi-permanent infrastructures, is an approved development under the Ngong Road Forest Management Plan.”

The State corporation charged with among other things, protecting forests said the sanctuary block of Ngong Road Forest is currently undergoing significant enhancements, including the installation of an electric fence to bolster its security, enhance natural regeneration, and provide controlled access to the forest block.

Before the issuance of the license for the camp, it said a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was prepared by established laws and procedures.

“Furthermore, a public participation process, conducted in collaboration with the Community Forest Association(CFA), garnered the endorsement of relevant stakeholders,” said KFS.

It however did not reveal when the public participation was done, where it was carried out and who were the relevant stakeholders represented.

It said the ongoing development of Ngong Road Forest aims to establish a premier green space for Nairobi residents, thereby alleviating the substantial visitor pressure on Karura Forest, which currently receives over 80,000 visitors monthly.

The State corporation said Kenya Forest Service is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding and sustainably conserving all forest resources.

“This commitment is realised through collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders and forest-adjacent communities,” it said.

It said the I&M Foundation is making a significant contribution of approximately Sh200 million towards the development of the sanctuary block.

The construction of the hotel puts KFS again in the spotlight. Last year December,  National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) suspended licenses they had earlier issued to a private developer for a golf course and a restaurant in Ngong Forest after public outcry.

This was after environmentalists challenged the earlier go-ahead given to Karura Golf Range Limited, warning that such developments pose a danger to Nairobi’s shrinking urban green spaces.

The suspension came after former Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale,(now Health CS) directed the suspension of the license and called for a fresh review of the entire process.

Karura Golf Range Ltd was to develop, operate and manage a golf range, restaurant and mini golf part within the Miotoni Block of Ngong Road Forest in Nairobi County.

The directive by CS Duale came after approvals by NEMA and KFS, and the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) allowed the private developer to set up a leisure and entertainment facility on forest land.

In addition, KFS said it is instituting strict fiscal regulations stipulating that all payments for forest resources such as visitor access, venue hire, licenses and fees must be paid directly via government payment platforms.

“This applies to all forests including Ngong Road and Karura Forest stations. Therefore, KFS notes with concern that the Greenbelt Movement, a long-standing partner, is disseminating what appears to be misleading information. This information, contained in a letter ostensibly addressed to the Service, risks inciting public discontent regarding the status of Ngong Road Forest,” it said.