Conservationists Raise Alarm Over Encroachment on Forests
Acting executive director Akshay Vishwanath during a press briefing in Nairobi on July 9, 2026, delivering a statement issued by Friends of Nairobi’s Forests and Green Spaces calling on the government to halt developments in public forests and protect the country’s green spaces.
Environmental lobby groups have called on the government to halt developments in public forests and green spaces, saying continued encroachment threatens Kenya’s environment and contradicts the country’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Thursday, Friends of Nairobi’s Forests and Green Spaces noted that protecting existing forests is as important as planting new trees, arguing that mature indigenous forests provide environmental benefits that cannot be replaced by newly planted seedlings.
The groups claimed that several forests and protected areas across the country are under pressure from infrastructure and commercial developments.
They cited Ngong Forest as one of the most affected areas, alleging that land within the forest has been allocated for projects including a luxury tented camp, the Riruta-Ngong railway line, roads linked to Talanta Sports City, a contractor’s camp and the proposed Talanta Sports City.The lobby also noted that the projects could significantly reduce the forest’s ecological value if implemented.
They louded that Ngong Forest belongs to all Kenyans noting that it’s ecological value far outweighs the short-term gains of piecemeal developments and therefore protecting this forest is not merely an environmental obligation; it is a constitutional duty owed to present and future generations.
The conservationists also expressed concern over what they described as continued encroachment into Nairobi National Park, saying previous infrastructure projects had already reduced wildlife habitat. They opposed plans to construct a new Nairobi Animal Orphanage and a 1,300-vehicle parking area within the park, arguing that the developments would further affect the ecosystem.
They further claimed that Upper Imenti Forest is under threat from the construction of an airstrip, State Lodge and golf course, saying the projects could affect one of the country’s key water towers.
The groups also opposed plans to cut mature trees during the proposed expansion of State House Road and expressed concern over proposals affecting Uhuru Park. They further called for urgent action to address land ownership and management challenges facing City Park to safeguard it from further encroachment.
The lobby accused some developers of continuing with construction despite court orders suspending activities in protected forests.
The organisations also questioned the role of institutions responsible for environmental protection, including the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The conservationists called on the government to stop activities that lead to the destruction of public forests unless they are supported by public participation, environmental impact assessments and proof that no suitable alternatives exist.
They also urged Parliament to strengthen laws protecting forests and public green spaces and appealed to Kenyans to support efforts aimed at conserving the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
