Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered the immediate revocation of a special license issued to a private developer to construct an entertainment joint within Ngong Road Forest.
The CS ordered the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General Mamo Boru Mamo and Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko to formalise the suspension of the licences.
Duale further directed Mamo and Lemarkoko to prepare and deliver a detailed brief to his office on the matter within the next three days
NEMA, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) had allowed the private developer to set up a leisure and entertainment facility on forest land, triggering a public uproar.
“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,” Duale said in a statement.
“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. KFS has been directed to refrain from issuing any additional special licenses.”
Duale also directed that an audit will soon be done on all licences previously issued to ensure transparency and accountability.
"KFS has been directed 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,'' Duale said.
KFS issued a special-use license on June 14, 2023, granting a private developer permission to develop, operate, and manage the golf range, restaurant, and mini golf park in Ngong Road Forest Station.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, NEMA said the Director General has directed environmental inspectors and police unit officers to undertake urgent inspections of the proposed site and take appropriate corrective action.
