The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has suspended the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license for a proposed restaurant and golf range within the Ngong Road Forest Station.

The decision comes after a field inspection revealed potential environmental threats and a lack of comprehensive public participation.

NEMA's Director General, Mamo B. Mamo, cited several concerns, including the project's location within an existing pipeline wayleave and its potential impact on the forest's high biodiversity value.

"CONSEQUENTLY the EIA License No. NEMA/EIA/PSL/36483 dated November 28, 2024 is hereby SUSPENDED," NEMA stated in a notice.

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The Authority emphasized the need for a more in-depth ecological assessment and broader public engagement to ensure the project's sustainability.

The suspension of the license highlights the growing public scrutiny over development projects within ecologically sensitive areas.

Environmental activists and concerned citizens have raised alarms about the potential negative impacts of such projects on biodiversity, water resources, and the overall ecological balance.

In a separate development, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Aden Duale, ordered the suspension of both the EIA license and a Special Use License issued by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to Karura Golf Range Limited.

Duale directed the CCF and the Director General of NEMA to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and submit a detailed report within 72 hours.

"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 ordered.

"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. An audit of all licenses previously issued will be conducted in due course to ensure transparency and accountability," the CS added.

The KFS had previously issued a Special Use License to Karura Golf Range Limited for the development, operation, and management of a golf range, restaurant, and mini-golf park within the Ngong Road Forest. However, the recent scrutiny and public outcry have led to the suspension of the project.


NEMA's decision underscores the importance of rigorous environmental impact assessments and transparent public participation processes in ensuring sustainable development.

The outcome of the investigation by the CCF and the Director General of NEMA will determine the future of the controversial golf range project.