The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the upland forest in Nairobi National Park is being destroyed.

In a press release on Friday, March 27, 2026, KWS shared details on the relocation of the orphanage within Nairobi National Park, citing a lack of modern requirements.

“Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) notes with concern statements circulating on social media from a group calling itself “Friends of Nairobi National Park (FoNNaP)” alleging that “the upland forest in Nairobi National Park is being destroyed,” KWS said.

While explaining the details on the planned relocation of Nairobi Animal Orphanage, KWS has maintained that the circulating claims are misleading.

“KWS wishes to clarify that these claims are misleading, unfounded and inflammatory,” KWS noted.

According to KWS, the relocation and upgrade of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a carefully planned, lawful, and forward-looking initiative aimed at enhancing wildlife conservation, animal welfare, conservation education, and visitor experience.

Worth noting, the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, which was established in 1964, has played a central role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of wildlife in distress for over 60 years.

However, KWS has said that due to increasing visitor numbers, growing demand for wildlife rescue, and evolving international standards on animal welfare, the current facility within Nairobi National Park no longer meets modern requirements.

Legal and Policy Compliance

KWS further announced that the project is anchored in the provisions of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, which mandates KWS to conserve and manage wildlife while upholding high standards of animal welfare.

In full compliance with environmental law, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA).

A comprehensive project report was prepared and submitted to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), including stakeholder engagement through a workshop held on 2nd October 2025 and supporting surveys.

According to KWS, NEMA reviewed and approved the project and issued an EIA Licence (Ref: NEMA/ENVIS/CPR/LIC-0940) on 3rd December 2025.

Rationale for relocation

KWS has revealed that the decision to relocate the facility, first conceptualised in 2013, is informed by the need to align with internationally recognised animal welfare standards, including those of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In addition, provide larger, more natural and humane enclosures while decongesting the current facility and improving visitor flow and safety.