NAIROBI, Kenya — A fresh storm is brewing over plans to excise 76 acres of forest land from Nairobi National Park, with conservationists warning of irreversible environmental damage even as the government defends the move as lawful and necessary.
At the centre of the dispute is a proposal by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to hive off approximately 31 hectares (76 acres) of indigenous upland forest to pave the way for expansion of the Bomas of Kenya complex and the relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
Forest clearing already underway
Satellite imagery and reports indicate that clearing of vegetation inside the park has already begun, triggering alarm among environmental groups. Conservation lobby Friends of Nairobi National Park claims that significant sections of forest — part of a critical wildlife habitat — have been affected.
The contested land lies within one of the park’s few remaining forested zones, home to diverse species and a vital ecological buffer within the largely grassland ecosystem.
Established in 1946, Nairobi National Park spans about 117 square kilometres and is globally unique for its proximity to a capital city, hosting species such as lions, rhinos and giraffes just kilometres from Nairobi’s skyline.
Multi-billion project driving the move
The land excision is linked to the proposed Sh41.9 billion Bomas International Convention Centre project — a flagship development aimed at transforming the cultural facility into a world-class conference hub.
Plans include relocating the decades-old animal orphanage deeper into the park and constructing new infrastructure such as a large parking facility and a pedestrian overpass connecting the orphanage to Bomas across Lang’ata Road.
Project documents show the new facility would feature modern animal enclosures, a wildlife hospital and expanded visitor amenities, with authorities projecting over 500 direct jobs.
Conservationists raise red flags
However, conservation groups argue the project sets a dangerous precedent of encroaching into protected land for commercial interests.
They have questioned the transparency of the approval process, citing lack of access to key documents such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and alleging inadequate public participation.
Critics also warn that the scale of planned infrastructure — particularly a large parking area — suggests the development could extend beyond conservation purposes and primarily serve the convention centre.
Environmentalists say the destruction of even a portion of the forest could disrupt wildlife habitats and migration patterns in the fragile ecosystem.
KWS defends project
KWS has strongly pushed back against claims of environmental destruction, insisting the relocation of the orphanage is both legal and necessary.
The agency says the current facility, operational since 1964, no longer meets modern standards for animal welfare and conservation education.
“KWS wishes to clarify that claims… are misleading,” the agency said, maintaining that the project is designed to enhance conservation, improve visitor experience and upgrade wildlife care facilities.
It also argues that the existing orphanage site will eventually be restored to its natural state, potentially offsetting some of the environmental impact.
The controversy underscores a broader and recurring dilemma in Kenya, balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.
Nairobi National Park, already under pressure from urban expansion, human-wildlife conflict and land use changes, remains one of the country’s most important conservation areas and a key tourism asset.
