A hotel project in Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary is at the centre of an environmental storm after the Green Belt Movement accused developers of starting construction without a licence and ignoring public consultation.
The group said Konyon Company Ltd., which is behind the project, failed to attend a stakeholder meeting convened by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) on Tuesday, May 27, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. "The developer who is legally required to organise public consultations did not even show up," said the Green Belt Movement in a statement.
The organisation added that the Environmental Impact Assessment consultant admitted during the meeting that construction had already begun before obtaining approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). "This project began without any form of licensing, which makes it illegitimate and environmentally irresponsible," said the group.
The development, presented as an eco-tourism venture, includes 11 luxury cottages, two restaurants and other commercial amenities. Green Belt Movement said this plan would result in the privatisation of public forest land under the guise of conservation.
