NAIROBI, Kenya – The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has taken legal action against the Kenyan government to stop the planned excision of 51.64 acres of Karura Forest for the construction of a dual carriageway along Kiambu Road, describing the move as a threat to one of Nairobi’s last urban green spaces.
The environmental organization, co-founded by the late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, filed its petition on December 11 at the Environment and Land Court.
The suit targets the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and several other government agencies, alongside three private entities.
According to GBM, the proposed road construction, estimated to cost KSh38 billion through a loan agreement with China, would result in extensive deforestation equivalent to clearing 29 football fields.
Additionally, GBM alleges that KFS issued a license to a private entity for a 2.076-acre recreational facility within the forest, decisions the lobby claims are “illegal annexations” of public land.
“Karura Forest holds immense ecological, cultural, and historical value,” GBM states in its petition. “The planned encroachment will lead to biodiversity loss, deforestation, increased pollution, and a reduction in rainwater infiltration, exacerbating climate risks.”
GBM also criticizes the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), arguing it lacked transparency and failed to explore alternative routes to minimize harm.
The petitioners allege that public participation on the matter was inadequate, depriving stakeholders of a clear understanding of the project’s long-term impact.
While KFS and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) argue that the project follows an existing 1951 wayleave, GBM questions the validity of that claim.
The petition points out that the current boundaries of Karura Forest were established after the installation of a protective fence, raising doubts over the legitimacy of the land allocation.
The petition underscores the forest’s critical role as a carbon sink, water conservation zone, and urban green lung for Nairobi.
“Encroachments threaten to reverse decades of reforestation progress and undermine Kenya’s commitment to increasing forest cover to 30% by 2032,” GBM argues.
Karura Forest’s conservation legacy is closely tied to Wangari Maathai, who famously fought against illegal land grabs in the 1990s.
The Green Belt Movement warns that proceeding with the road project would compromise Maathai’s environmental justice legacy and jeopardize the livelihoods of urban residents who rely on the forest for clean air, recreation, and water security.
The petition seeks to have the special licenses for road construction and recreational facilities canceled.
GBM also demands comprehensive environmental assessments, rigorous adherence to constitutional and statutory environmental standards, and genuine public consultations.
The case has drawn support from organizations like the Law Society of Kenya, Natural Justice, East Africa Wildlife Society, and the Friends of Karura Forest Community Association, who have joined the suit as interested parties.
The environmental organization, co-founded by the late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, filed its petition on December 11 at the Environment and Land Court.
The suit targets the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and several other government agencies, alongside three private entities.
According to GBM, the proposed road construction, estimated to cost KSh38 billion through a loan agreement with China, would result in extensive deforestation equivalent to clearing 29 football fields.
Additionally, GBM alleges that KFS issued a license to a private entity for a 2.076-acre recreational facility within the forest, decisions the lobby claims are “illegal annexations” of public land.
“Karura Forest holds immense ecological, cultural, and historical value,” GBM states in its petition. “The planned encroachment will lead to biodiversity loss, deforestation, increased pollution, and a reduction in rainwater infiltration, exacerbating climate risks.”
GBM also criticizes the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), arguing it lacked transparency and failed to explore alternative routes to minimize harm.
The petitioners allege that public participation on the matter was inadequate, depriving stakeholders of a clear understanding of the project’s long-term impact.
While KFS and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) argue that the project follows an existing 1951 wayleave, GBM questions the validity of that claim.
The petition points out that the current boundaries of Karura Forest were established after the installation of a protective fence, raising doubts over the legitimacy of the land allocation.
The petition underscores the forest’s critical role as a carbon sink, water conservation zone, and urban green lung for Nairobi.
“Encroachments threaten to reverse decades of reforestation progress and undermine Kenya’s commitment to increasing forest cover to 30% by 2032,” GBM argues.
Karura Forest’s conservation legacy is closely tied to Wangari Maathai, who famously fought against illegal land grabs in the 1990s.
The Green Belt Movement warns that proceeding with the road project would compromise Maathai’s environmental justice legacy and jeopardize the livelihoods of urban residents who rely on the forest for clean air, recreation, and water security.
The petition seeks to have the special licenses for road construction and recreational facilities canceled.
GBM also demands comprehensive environmental assessments, rigorous adherence to constitutional and statutory environmental standards, and genuine public consultations.
The case has drawn support from organizations like the Law Society of Kenya, Natural Justice, East Africa Wildlife Society, and the Friends of Karura Forest Community Association, who have joined the suit as interested parties.
