In a decisive move to protect one of Nairobi’s most cherished green spaces, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered the revocation of licenses granted to a private developer planning to construct a golf range and restaurant within the Ngong Road Forest. The licenses in question, issued by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), have sparked widespread public outrage over the apparent encroachment on forest land, signaling a critical moment in Kenya’s efforts to balance development with environmental conservation.

The Controversy Surrounding Ngong Forest Development

The controversy erupted after it came to light that Karura Golf Range Ltd, a private developer, had been granted a Special Use License by KFS in June 2023 and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license by NEMA to establish a recreational facility within the Ngong Road Forest. These approvals quickly drew the ire of environmental activists, conservationists, and the general public, who took to social media to condemn the project as a blatant encroachment on Nairobi’s dwindling forest cover.

Ngong Road Forest, a vital green space in the heart of Kenya’s bustling capital, plays a crucial role in regulating the city’s microclimate, providing a habitat for wildlife, and serving as a recreational haven for residents. The forest’s importance has been underscored in recent years as Nairobi grapples with rapid urbanization, pollution, and the loss of natural ecosystems.

CS Duale’s Firm Response

In response to the uproar, CS Aden Duale instructed NEMA to revoke the licenses issued to the developer and demanded a comprehensive report from both NEMA and the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) within three days. Duale also emphasized that KFS should refrain from issuing any additional special licenses for developments within forested areas.

“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,” Duale announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

This move reflects a broader commitment by Duale’s office to safeguard Kenya’s natural resources amidst increasing pressure from private developers eyeing prime urban land for commercial projects.

The Role of KFS and NEMA in the Controversy

The Kenya Forest Service, tasked with managing and conserving the country’s forests, has come under scrutiny for its decision to issue the Special Use License. Critics argue that such approvals undermine the agency’s mandate and set a dangerous precedent for forest conservation.

NEMA, on its part, has defended its decision to issue the EIA license, stating that it was conditional upon the approval granted by KFS. However, NEMA has since deployed environmental inspectors to assess the proposed development site and pledged to take corrective measures based on their findings.

This is not the first time KFS has faced criticism for controversial land allocations. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the agency had approved the allocation of 51 acres of Karura Forest to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for the expansion of Kiambu Road—a move that conservationists warned would lead to irreversible damage to the forest.

The Larger Context: Forest Conservation in Kenya

Kenya’s forests are under significant threat from deforestation, illegal logging, and encroachment. According to the Kenya Forest Cover Status Report 2022, the country’s forest cover stands at approximately 8.8%, far below the recommended global standard of 10%. Urban forests like Ngong Road Forest and Karura Forest are particularly vulnerable as cities expand and demand for land increases.

Ngong Road Forest, covering an area of approximately 2,900 hectares, is one of Nairobi’s few remaining green lungs. It provides critical ecological services, including carbon sequestration, water catchment protection, and biodiversity conservation. The forest is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.

However, rapid urbanization has put immense pressure on these spaces. Nairobi’s population, estimated at over 4.5 million, continues to grow, driving up demand for housing, infrastructure, and recreational facilities. This has created a lucrative market for developers, some of whom resort to colluding with corrupt officials to gain access to protected areas.

Developers and the Rising Appetite for Nairobi’s Prime Land

Karura Golf Range Ltd, the company at the center of the Ngong Forest controversy, was registered in 2020 and is led by directors Kapildev Bhatt and Harpal Choda. The company’s plan to establish a golf range and restaurant within the forest highlights the growing trend of private developers targeting urban green spaces for commercial ventures.

Nairobi’s prime land, with its proximity to affluent neighborhoods and high-income residents, is highly sought after. Developers often argue that such projects contribute to economic growth, job creation, and urban development. However, critics counter that the environmental costs far outweigh the benefits, particularly when projects encroach on protected areas.

The situation underscores the need for stricter regulations and transparent decision-making processes to ensure that development does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

Public Outrage and Activism

The public outcry over the Ngong Forest project reflects a growing awareness among Kenyans about the importance of environmental conservation. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for mobilizing public opinion, with hashtags like #SaveNgongForest trending in recent days.

Environmental organizations and community groups have also joined the fray, calling for greater accountability from government agencies and stricter enforcement of conservation laws. Many have pointed to the Ngong Forest saga as a wake-up call for Kenya to strengthen its commitment to protecting natural resources.

Policy Implications and the Way Forward

The revocation of the developer’s licenses is a significant victory for conservationists, but it also highlights systemic issues that need to be addressed to prevent similar controversies in the future. Key policy recommendations include:

1. Strengthening Environmental Laws: Existing legislation, such as the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016, must be rigorously enforced to deter illegal activities and protect forested areas.
2. Enhancing Transparency: Decision-making processes within agencies like KFS and NEMA should be made more transparent to reduce the risk of corruption and ensure public trust.
3. Promoting Sustainable Development: Urban planning should prioritize green spaces and explore innovative ways to balance development with conservation.
4. Community Involvement: Local communities should be actively involved in conservation efforts, as they are often the first line of defense against encroachment.

Global Lessons and Kenya’s Leadership Role

Kenya’s challenges with forest conservation are not unique. Across the globe, countries are grappling with the trade-offs between development and environmental protection. However, Kenya has the opportunity to set an example for other nations by demonstrating that economic growth and environmental sustainability can coexist.

Initiatives like the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), which aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded landscapes across Africa by 2030, provide a framework for Kenya to align its conservation efforts with broader regional and global goals.

Conclusion: A Milestone for Conservation Advocacy

The decision by CS Aden Duale to revoke the licenses granted to Karura Golf Range Ltd represents a pivotal moment in Kenya’s environmental conservation journey. It sends a clear message that green spaces like Ngong Road Forest are not up for grabs and underscores the government’s responsibility to safeguard the country’s natural heritage.

As Nairobi continues to grow, the need for a balanced approach to development becomes increasingly urgent. By prioritizing conservation, Kenya can ensure that its forests remain a source of ecological, economic, and cultural value for generations to come.

The outcome of this controversy will not only shape the future of Ngong Road Forest but also set a precedent for how Kenya manages its natural resources in the face of mounting urban pressures. For now, the public and conservation advocates can celebrate a hard-fought victory, but the work to protect Kenya’s green spaces is far from over.

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photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

18th December, 2024