Days after the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) suspended the construction of a posh camping facility at the Sanctuary block in Ngong Road Forest, senators have come up with fresh demands.

During a heated session on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, a section of senators asked KFS to name the hotel’s developer.

This was after Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku Ole Kanar rose to seek a statement from the Land, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee regarding the hotel’s construction.

“In the statement, the committee should provide the identity of the developer currently constructing the hotel within the Ngong Forest,” Seki asked.

Sen. Seki Lenku Ole Kanar seeks a Statement from the Land, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee on the ongoing construction of a hotel within the Ngong Road Forest. #SenateLive pic.twitter.com/YxeuAzs2Rj

— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) May 21, 2025

Sifuna blames KFS and CS

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna added his voice to the debate, where he blasted the Kenya Forest Service for failing to give notices in advance informing the public of the said construction.

He also dragged the Environment Cabinet Secretary, Debra Mulongo, wondering why she failed to communicate before public outrage.

“Just a few weeks ago, the CS responsible for environment was here with us. One of the problems we raised regarding how the Kenya Forest Service manages our forests is that they never inform the public when they plan to undertake any activity, nor do they engage the local stakeholders when developing plans related to our forests. You can wake up one day to find Karura Forest trending because trees are being cut without anyone being informed. They later claim they were harvesting mature trees,” Sifuna stated.

“Now, they have moved into Ngong Road Forest, and suddenly someone is building a hotel in the middle of the forest without any prior notice to the public. It was only when the locals raised the alarm that the matter came to light. The chief conservator claims the project is above board,” Sifuna added.

Khalwale recalls Maathai’s struggles

While supporting Seki’s statement, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale recalled how the late Wangari Maathai endured harsh treatment in a bid to stop KANU’s administration from building a hotel inside Uhuru Park.

He lobbied his colleagues to rise up to the occasion and protect forest cover in the country from intruders.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also slammed KFS for failing to uphold transparency in the construction process, insisting that an influential person could be behind it.

KFS earlier statement

The Green Belt Movement (GBM) had inked a letter to KFS seeking immediate answers, underscoring the dangers posed by the encroachment of protected forests.

In their rejoinder, KFS noted that the facility, a bush eco-camp, was erected after a rigorous approval process was undertaken.

“The master plan was developed, verified and adopted by stakeholders following intensive public participation,” read a statement in part.

“The project to develop a bush eco–camp was approved procedurally, having been assessed, and no extreme negative environmental impacts were identified. “

KFS also noted that the site the camp is being constructed on is a glade – a natural opening within a natural forest that does not have any trees, only bushes and grass – and no trees have been cleared.

However, after intense pressure, the construction was halted pending further consultations.