Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Mulongo has suspended the construction of an eco-hotel in Ngong Forest next to the sanctuary in Nairobi County.

The CS also warned of disciplinary action against the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials who approved the construction of the hotel inside the forest.

"We have heard that some people are cutting down the trees in the Ngong Forest to construct hotels. We are against it, and it should be suspended immediately," said Mulongo.

She added, "Those KFS officers who approved the project should know that we shall face disciplinary measures, even suspension. We will not allow such a thing to continue because their work is to protect and safeguard trees."

Mulongo maintained that her sole responsibility was to grow and protect more trees to save the country, wild animals, and the environment.

She spoke at Amagoro grounds in Teso North Constituency, Busia County, during an interdenominational church service attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

"Our president is the champion of climate change, and he is advocating for the planting of more trees. As a country, we are targeting to plant and grow 15 billion trees by 2032, and currently the tree cover countrywide stands at 12 per cent, and our target is to achieve 30 per cent tree cover," said Mulongo.

She added, "Our neighbours in Uganda and DRC Congo are over 50 per cent in tree cover, and therefore we are supposed to plant more and not to cut down, and therefore our main aim should be to plant more trees to help save our country from the effects of climate change, help our animals, and safeguard and protect our environment."

The CS directive comes after the KFS admitted that there is an ongoing construction of an eco-hotel in Ngong Forest next to the sanctuary. It also said the construction process was approved after a public participation exercise.

The admission comes after the Green Belt Movement raised an alarm on Friday about ongoing construction, terming it an encroachment of the forest.

In a letter addressed to KFS chief executive officer Alexander Lemarkoko, the Green Belt Movement also demanded that the identity of the private developer be revealed.

It also demanded that the construction be stopped since it poses a danger to the environment.

“As you are aware, Ngong Road Forest is a critical ecological and biodiversity resource in Nairobi. It provides essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, air purification, and water catchment protection, and serves as an important recreational and educational green space for the city's residents. It is also home to diverse flora and fauna, some of which are endangered,” said the Green Belt Movement in a letter dated May 15.

It added: “It has come to our attention that a private developer has begun construction within this forest area. This development, if confirmed, raises serious environmental, legal, and ethical concerns….”

KFS responded, saying the development was approved, though it did not mention the developer.

“The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has noted a recent document circulating on digital platforms alleging impropriety in the development of a bush eco-camp within Ngong Road Forest,” reads a KFS statement from the Corporate Communication Department.

It added: “KFS wishes to clarify that this camp, comprising tents on semi-permanent infrastructures, is an approved development under the Ngong Road Forest Management Plan.”

The state corporation charged with, among other things, protecting forests said the sanctuary block of Ngong Road Forest is currently undergoing significant enhancements, including the installation of an electric fence to bolster its security, enhance natural regeneration, and provide controlled access to the forest block.

Before the issuance of the licence for the camp, it said a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was prepared by established laws and procedures.

“Furthermore, a public participation process, conducted in collaboration with the Community Forest (CFA), garnered the endorsement of relevant stakeholders,” said KFS.

It, however, did not reveal when the public participation was done, where it was carried out and who the relevant stakeholders were represented.

It said the ongoing development of Ngong Road Forest aims to establish a premier green space for Nairobi residents, thereby alleviating the substantial visitor pressure on Karura Forest, which currently receives over 80,000 visitors monthly.

The state corporation said the Kenya Forest Service is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding and sustainably conserving all forest resources.