The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has expressed serious concerns regarding the Muthaiga Golf Club's use of a section of Karura Forest, highlighting a lack of documentation to substantiate the club's legal ownership of the land. Karura Forest, a significant ecological asset in Nairobi, spans approximately 1,044.1 hectares and was officially designated as a forest reserve in 1932. It gained further protection when it was declared a Central Forest in 1964, underscoring its importance in environmental conservation efforts.
According to KFS, the Muthaiga Golf Club was initially permitted to develop part of this forested area following a land survey and lease agreement in the 1960s. Historical records indicate that the construction of the golf course commenced after a plan for the leased area was issued in 1966. However, the situation became more complex with the introduction of the Forest Conservation and Management Act in 2007. This legislation required entities occupying forest land to apply for a Forest Special Use Licence, a step that KFS asserts the golf club has failed to take.
The issue resurfaced in 2021 when KFS invited the club for discussions concerning its occupancy of the forest land. During these talks, representatives of the Muthaiga Golf Club claimed to possess a title deed for the land in question. Despite this assertion, KFS maintains that it has been unable to locate any records that confirm the club's legal ownership or occupation rights over the forest land. "There is no evidence of record to the effect proving legal occupation of the forest by the Club," KFS stated, emphasizing the lack of documentation.
Furthermore, KFS pointed out that the club had previously acknowledged, through written correspondence, its occupation of gazetted forest land. This admission adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute. In light of these developments, KFS is urging the Muthaiga Golf Club to engage in dialogue with the service to resolve the matter in accordance with the Forest Conservation and Management Act. The agency stresses the importance of addressing this issue to ensure the protection and sustainable management of Karura Forest, a vital green space that contributes to Nairobi's environmental health and biodiversity. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, highlighting the delicate balance between development and conservation.
