Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered the suspension of two licenses related to a proposed development project in Ngong Road Forest, Nairobi.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 17, Duale said he had directed the Chief Conservator of Forests and the Director General of NEMA to suspend the licenses and provide a report on the issue within 72 hours.
"My attention has this evening been drawn to a Special Use License (LIC005/2023) issued to Karura Golf Range Ltd by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) on 14th June 2023 for the development, operation, and management of a golf range, restaurant and mini golf park in Ngong Road Forest, Nairobi County.
"Also brought to my attention is an Environmental Impact Assessment (IEA) License No. NEMA/IEA/PSL/36483 issued to the aforesaid company by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on 28th November 2024," the CS said.
He added;
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"Consequently, I have directed the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and the Director General of NEMA to suspend the two licenses and prepare a detailed brief on the matter within 72 hours."
In an effort to prevent similar controversies, Duale barred KFS from issuing any new special licenses and announced an upcoming audit of all previously issued licenses.
"My office will provide a way forward on the matter that has attracted great public interest after the briefing by the CCF and the Director General of NEMA.
"KFS has been directed to refrain from issuing any additional special licenses. An audit of all licenses previously issued will be conducted in due course to ensure transparency and accountability," he added.
The licenses issued to Karura Golf Range Ltd allowed the company to build and manage a golf range, restaurant, and mini golf park in the forest.
"By a copy of this license, the County Forest Conservator, Nairobi County shall facilitate access to the site and ensure on parties adhere to the forest legislation and provisions of the Special Use License and make payments as indicated therein," a letter from KFS to the Managing Director of Karura Gold Range Ltd read in part.
The decision to suspend the licenses comes amid heightened pressure from members of the public.
The proposed golf range development sparked concerns among environmental groups and the public, who view it as a threat to the forest.
