I am deeply concerned about the recent proposal put forth by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to construct high-end hotels within Nairobi National Park. This particular ecosystem is already quite fragile, and such a development is not accounted for in the current Nairobi National Park Management Plan. Proceeding with this project would not only flout the legal requirements set out in the Wildlife Act but also compromise the very essence of this unique natural reserve.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that visitors come to Nairobi National Park primarily for the breathtaking scenic beauty it offers, not for the allure of hotels. The construction of hotels and a convention center within the park would necessitate land clearing, thereby disrupting the critical natural habitat of numerous wildlife species, including endangered animals like black rhinos, lions, and cheetahs. Moreover, it could lead to various negative environmental consequences, including soil erosion, increased noise levels, and the potential spread of invasive species.
Equally troubling is the precedent that would be set by building such infrastructure within Nairobi National Park. It would convey the message that commercial developments take precedence over the preservation of our invaluable natural heritage. This proposal, if accepted, could pave the way for similar investments in the future, potentially fragmenting the entire Nairobi National Park ecosystem.
Nairobi already boasts a substantial number of hotels that can adequately cater to the needs of visitors. Any further investments in hotel infrastructure should ideally occur outside Nairobi National Park’s boundaries, thus allowing easy accessibility for tourists without compromising the park’s ecological integrity and its wildlife.
We have formally requested a meeting with the Kenya Wildlife Service to engage in a constructive dialogue and assess the facts surrounding this initiative. Our primary objective is to serve this beautiful park by aligning our goals with the mission of KWS and the management plan of Nairobi National Park. We firmly believe that by focusing on interventions that restore and uphold the park’s ecological balance and protect its wildlife, we can secure its legacy for future generations to appreciate and cherish.
Felix Mutwiri, Secretary, Friends of Nairobi National Park
