Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale has ordered the cancellation of a licence issued to Karura Golf Range Ltd by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for the development, operation and management of a golf range, restaurant and mini golf park in Ngong Road Forest, Nairobi County.

In a statement on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Duale also ordered the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and the Director General of NEMA to prepare a detailed brief on the matter 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,” Duale said.

“Also brought to my attention is an Environmental Impact Assessment (IEA) Licesense No. NEMA/IEA/PSL/36483 issued to the aforesaid company by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on 28th November 2024.”

Duale says his 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.

“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. 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,” he added.

He has also directed KFS 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 said.