Sifuna accuses state of backroom deals over Ngong Forest hotel
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has slammed the government for what he termed as secrecy and poor communication surrounding the construction of a hotel inside Ngong Forest.
During a heated Senate session on Wednesday, May 21, 2205, Sifuna accused the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Ministry of Environment of failing to notify the public about the controversial project, only addressing the matter after it sparked outrage online.
He questioned the silence of Environment Cabinet Secretary Debra Mulongo, saying her ministry had failed to alert Kenyans about the development. Sifuna said such actions show a worrying pattern of poor public engagement by the KFS.
“Just a few weeks ago, the CS for Environment was here with us. Part of the problem we raised was how the Kenya Forest Service manages its public relations. They never tell the public when they are doing something or engage the public on development plans or anything to do with our forests,” Sifuna stated.
The firebrand politician expressed frustration that citizens usually only learn about forest activities through social media trends. He cited previous concerns about Karura Forest and said it was unacceptable for KFS to continue operating without transparency.
“You will wake up one day and Karura Forest is trending—they are cutting down trees—and then they will come and tell you they were harvesting mature trees. Now they have gone to Ngong Forest and someone is building a hotel in the middle of the forest without telling anybody,” he remarked.
He stressed that locals were the first to raise alarm over the Ngong Forest development, forcing KFS to respond after the matter gained public attention. He insisted that KFS must engage stakeholders and follow the law.
“Our Constitution requires transparency when you are dealing with public property. All it takes is for KFS to tell us the plans for this particular forest, engage stakeholders, engage the public, let us have NEMA onboard, so that we are all clear that there is a project happening and how it is going to benefit us in terms of conservation,” he said.
Sifuna also criticised KFS for waiting until there was a public uproar before explaining their actions.
“This thing of them waiting for social media outlets before they say things is above board has to stop,” he added.
KFS statement
Sifuna’s fiery lecture comes after the Kenya Forest Service on Friday, May 16, clarified that the ongoing construction in Ngong Forest is a bush eco-camp made up of tents and semi-permanent infrastructure. The KFS said the project had received approval from the Ngong Road Forest Management Plan and underwent an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
According to KFS, public participation was conducted in collaboration with the Community Forest Association, and key stakeholders endorsed the project. They explained that the eco-camp is part of a broader effort to enhance the Sanctuary Block of Ngong Road Forest, which includes building an electric fence to improve security, allow natural regeneration, and manage access.
KFS defended the move, saying the eco-camp will serve as a new green space for Nairobi residents and help reduce the heavy visitor numbers currently being experienced at Karura Forest, which receives over 80,000 people monthly.
They revealed that the I&M Foundation had invested approximately Ksh200 million into the sanctuary’s development, further stressing that all payments related to forest use will be processed through official government platforms.
The Forest Service also hit out at the Green Belt Movement, accusing the environmental group of spreading misleading information that could stir public anger.
“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,” the statement read in part
The Green Belt Movement had earlier expressed strong concern over the development, questioning the approval process behind the eco-camp and demanding answers from KFS.
“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,” the organisation said.
They further warned that construction inside the forest could have serious environmental, legal, and ethical consequences if not handled properly.
