NAIROBI, Kenya — Muthaiga Golf Club has temporarily closed eight holes of its course following a dispute with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) over the ownership and boundaries of land forming part of the golf facility.
The club said KFS had taken over access to the Front Nine, covering Holes 2 to 9, after claiming that the affected section falls within Karura Forest.
In an internal memo seen by Y News on Tuesday, September 15, Club Chairman Dennis Mwirigi informed members that the affected section would remain inaccessible until further notice.
“We wish to inform you that the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has invaded the course and taken over access to the Front Nine, from Hole No. 2 through to Hole No. 9.”
The club said KFS was “purporting” that the section forms part of Karura Forest.
Eight holes closed to members
Mwirigi said the Front Nine would remain closed as the board works to resolve the dispute.
“The Front Nine (Holes No. 2-9) is NOT available or accessible for members’ use until further notice,” the notice stated.
The closure affects eight of the club’s 18 holes.
Other facilities, including the driving range and parking area, remain operational and have not been affected by the dispute.
Club board moves to resolve dispute
The club said its board was handling the matter and working to resolve it as quickly as possible.
“The Board is seized of the matter and is trying its level best to resolve the situation as urgently as possible,” the statement said.
The immediate dispute centres on whether the affected portion of the golf course falls within the boundaries of Karura Forest.
KFS claim yet to be explained
The Kenya Forest Service has reportedly moved onto the disputed section, restricting access to the eight holes, according to reports citing the club’s internal communication.
KFS had not issued a public response to the club’s allegations by the time of publication.
The dispute therefore remains unresolved, with the respective positions of the club and the forest agency yet to be fully set out publicly.
Muthaiga course sits near Karura
Muthaiga Golf Club is located on the edge of Karura Forest in Nairobi and has an 18-hole championship course.
The course has a long history dating back to the early 20th century, with the original nine-hole layout established in 1913 before the modern 18-hole course was developed.
A published map of Karura Forest also identifies Muthaiga Golf Club immediately adjacent to the forest area, underscoring the geographic proximity at the centre of the current dispute.
Club’s golf activities disrupted
The closure comes as Muthaiga continues to host golf competitions and other activities.
The club recently hosted the U.S. Kids Golf Nairobi Local Tour, while its 2026 calendar includes a series of competitions scheduled throughout September.
For now, however, members have been directed to stay away from Holes 2 to 9 as the club seeks to resolve the disagreement with KFS.
