Conservationists under the group Friends of Nairobi National Park have raised concerns over what they describe as ongoing destruction within the upland forest section of Nairobi National Park.
Inside the protected ecosystem, conservationists say recent construction activities are gradually affecting a sensitive forest area that supports some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife species.
This has triggered fresh questions about approvals, public participation, and compliance with park management rules.
Concerns Over Habitat Destruction
The conservation lobby group said the affected area is a critical habitat for lions, rhinos, Maasai giraffes, and other wildlife that depend on the ecosystem within the park’s upland forest zone.
According to the group, the disturbance is linked to construction works associated with the relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and related infrastructure development.
It also pointed to the construction of a large parking area and an access road connected to the Bomas International Convention Centre project.
In a statement released on Thursday, the group said field observations showed evidence of tree felling and clearing that began on March 21.
“Friends of Nairobi National Park members have confirmed the destruction on site. We have obtained photos and videos showing that tree felling and bush clearing began on March 21,” the statement said.
Call for Immediate Action
The group is now urging authorities to immediately halt the activities, warning that continued clearing could cause irreversible damage to a fragile ecosystem within the park.
It emphasized that Nairobi National Park remains a major national asset covering about 117 square kilometres and must be preserved for wildlife and future generations.
The lobby further argued that the scale of development suggests the parking facility is a central component of the project, citing earlier public participation discussions that mentioned a 1,300-vehicle parking area.
It also said stakeholders had raised objections during consultations, but their concerns were not fully addressed.
Government and Project Response
Attempts to obtain a response from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Erustus Kanga were unsuccessful.
However, Kenya Wildlife Service is mandated to protect wildlife and natural habitats within protected areas.
On the other hand, officials from the Bomas International Convention Centre project stated that environmental procedures were followed.
They said an Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted for the relocation of the animal orphanage and approved by the National Environment Management Authority.
Despite this, the conservation group insists that the process lacked transparency and adequate public participation.
Claims Over Environmental Compliance
The lobby group also argued that the development falls within a low-use zone under the Nairobi National Park Management Plan (2020–2030), which restricts infrastructure development in sensitive areas such as upland forests.
They said such zones are meant for minimal human interference, with strict rules against new roads, major construction, and habitat disturbance.
The group further claimed that key Environmental Impact Assessment documents were not made publicly accessible during consultations or online review.
It also raised concerns about timing, saying approval was issued in December 2025 but only became widely known in February 2026.
Biodiversity Concerns
Conservationists warned that the upland forest plays a crucial ecological role, supporting biodiversity and connecting wildlife corridors, including nearby green spaces such as Ngong Road Forest.
The forest is reported to host more than 500 bird species and a wide range of animals, including rhinos, giraffes, vultures, secretary birds, eagles, cranes, lions, leopards, and occasional cheetahs.
The group emphasized that environmental assessments should align with existing management plans, warning that the current developments may contradict those guidelines.
Conclusion
The conservation lobby is now calling for greater transparency, stronger protection of protected areas, and immediate intervention to prevent further destruction within one of Nairobi’s most important ecological zones.
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