KFS Addresses Claims of Construction Resumption in Ngong Road Forest

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has moved to address claims suggesting that construction works at a bush eco-camp in Ngong Road Forest have resumed. 

In a statement on Monday, September 15, the agency shut down the claims, terming them false and malicious.

"Kenya Forest Service has noted false information circulating online regarding the resumption of construction of an eco tourism site, which was halted earlier in the year. This post is completely false and issued with malicious intent," the statement read.

KFS clarified that no activity is currently taking place at the contested site and assured the public that the forest remains under the strict protection of its officers.

"The Service confirms there are no ongoing construction works in that particular site. There is also no other security team apart from KFS forest rangers, who continue to provide security and protection in the forest," the statement added.

KFS announced the temporary suspension of the construction of the bush eco-camp in May following public outcry and allegations of forest destruction.

In a statement on Saturday, May 17, KFS said the decision comes in the wake of widespread concern raised through the media, social platforms, and direct communication to KFS.

"Kenya Forest Service is aware of the various concerns that have been raised regarding the development of a bush eco-camp in the 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," the statement read.

KFS clarified that the development was taking place in a glade, a natural clearing within the forest that typically has no trees, only bushes and grass.  

"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 statement added.

KFS went on to explain that the project was reportedly challenged by a former applicant who had earlier sought to establish a Green Kids Museum on the same site. 

According to KFS, the applicant failed to secure a Special Use License due to financial constraints.

"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 the 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 the development of the eco-camp. There is a clear bias, and the public is advised to seek clarification from the Kenya Forest Service regarding any information about gazetted forests," the statement continued.

In a bid to address the growing controversy, KFS has temporarily suspended the construction of the eco-camo to have a roundtable dialogue with all stakeholders.  

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