Dr Isaac Kalua Green, Kenya’s Most Sought After Conservationist and Environmentalist Seeks To Stop KeNHA and KFS From Developing Golf Park and Restaurant in Ngong Road Forest Over Nature Degradation
The Green Africa Foundation and Green Belt Movement have blasted Kenya National Highway Authority [KeNHA] and Kenya Forest Service [KFS] for planning to interfere with Kenya’s ecosystem over natural conservation
These shaft remarks comes at the background from the recent reports regarding the proposed excision of 51 acres of Karura Forest to expand Kiambu Rpad and construction of an hotel and golf park in Ngong Forest which has been approved by National Environmental Management Authority [NEMA]
According to the statement released by Kenya’s Most Celebrated Environmentalist Dr Isaac Kalua Green on Tuesday 17th December, 2024, the environmental advocate, blamed KeNHA for having not conducted due diligence of the impasse awaiting after the degradation of the said water catchment areas and biodiversity
“It is evident that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) did not fully explore eco-friendly, sustainable solutions that could meet road capacity demands without compromising our invaluable natural heritage.
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To avoid such conflicts, the following Eco-Friendly Strategies should have been prioritized by optimize existing infrastructure – Selective Widening: Expand lanes only in non-sensitive areas to minimize habitat disturbance,” Dr Kalua underscored.
While highlighting the importance of applying smart technology and innovation, Kalua reminded the authority to have used – Smart Traffic Management by implementing Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS), including adaptive signaling, congestion pricing, and ramp metering to help in conserve the nature
“Introduce High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes to improve traffic efficiency without large-scale expansions.
Promote Multimodal Transport -Integrated Systems by establishing park-and-ride facilities to encourage public transit use,” he advised.
Because, Karura Forest is used by Nairobians while cycling where roads may harbour such recreational activities, Dr Karua Green, is vehemently calling the authorities to develop parallel pedestrian and cycling paths to reduce car dependency.
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By use of Eco-Sensitive Engineering- Elevated Roads: Construct elevated sections to protect ground-level ecosystems. – Tunnels: Bypass environmentally fragile areas through tunnels, preserving biodiversity.
“Had KeNHA considered these strategies with sincerity and embraced their role as stewards of the environment with the fear of God, the need to encroach on Karura Forest would not arise. Development must align with conservation imperatives, ensuring infrastructure growth does not come at the cost of our ecological treasures,” Dr Karua, who is an environmental scientist recounted.
He said that Karura Forest stands as a beacon of Nairobi’s environmental resilience, and its preservation is non-negotiable. “ It is imperative for decision-makers to adopt innovative, sustainable approaches to infrastructure development that safeguard the delicate balance between progress and environmental conservation,” Dr. Isaac Kalua Green, Environmental Advocate and Chairperson, Green Africa Foundation, Issued
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This comes as Kenya Forest Service paved way for the construction of a restaurant in Ngong Forest after the NEMA’s approval, contrary to the conservationists by reminding concerned stakeholders that true development respects both people and planet and the time to embrace sustainable, eco-friendly solutions is now.
Meanwhile, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has directed KFS and NEMA to suspend the licenses issued to Karura Golf Range Ltd for development of Golf park and Restaurant in Ngong Road Forest pending direction from the Ministry