The Environment and Land Court has issued a temporary injunction stopping all excavation, tree-felling, land clearance, and construction activities at the Ngong Road Forest eco-lodge site and along the Bomas-Talanta Road corridor.

The order, issued by Justice J.G. Kemei, applies to the Sanctuary Block of Ngong Road Forest and was granted pending the hearing of a constitutional petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), JustAct, and other petitioners.

The petition challenges actions by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and other respondents involved in the development project. The petitioners argue that the proposed eco-lodge and related infrastructure threaten the forest, a vital urban biodiversity habitat, water catchment, and carbon sink for Nairobi.

Key Court Orders

  • The 2nd, 4th, and 6th respondents, including their agents and contractors, are restrained from any further excavation, tree-felling, land clearance, or construction within the Sanctuary Block.
  • The removal of the Sanctuary Block's electric fence is also prohibited while the case is pending.
  • Respondents must file replying affidavits and written submissions within 14 days, with a deadline set for August 17, 2026.
  • The court reserved ruling on the motion for September 16, 2026.

Justice Kemei warned that non-compliance with the orders would result in penal consequences for any party found to have disobeyed them.

Petitioners' Concerns

The petitioners contend that the respondents began clearing vegetation and felling trees without adhering to constitutional and statutory requirements concerning environmental protection, public participation, and sustainable forest management. They further claim that proceeding with the projects risks irreversible environmental damage before the court determines the legality of the approvals and licenses issued.

Through the petition, LSK and its co-petitioners seek declarations that the approvals for the projects were unlawful and unconstitutional, alongside permanent orders to halt any further interference with the protected forest unless all legal and environmental safeguards are met.