Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered the immediate revocation of a special license granted to a private developer for constructing an entertainment facility within Ngong Road Forest.
The CS instructed National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General Mamo Boru Mamo and Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko to formalize the suspension of the licenses. He also directed them to submit a detailed report on the issue to his office within three days.
The licenses, issued by NEMA and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), permitted the development of a leisure and entertainment facility on forest land, sparking public outrage over concerns of encroachment.
“Consequently, I have directed the Chief Conservator of Forests and the Director General of NEMA to suspend the licenses and provide a comprehensive brief within 72 hours,” Duale said in a statement.
Duale assured that his office would determine the way forward after receiving the briefing. He also instructed KFS to cease issuing any further special licenses and announced plans for an audit of all previously issued licenses to ensure transparency and accountability.
“KFS has been directed to refrain from issuing additional special licenses. An audit of all licenses previously issued will be conducted to guarantee transparency and accountability,” he added.
The special-use license, issued on June 14, 2023, allowed the developer to build and manage a golf range, restaurant, and mini golf park within Ngong Road Forest Station.
The decision to grant the license has faced intense criticism from the public, who have raised concerns about encroachment on protected forest land.
On Tuesday evening, NEMA announced that its Director General had instructed environmental inspectors and police officers to urgently inspect the proposed site and take necessary corrective actions.
