A full-frontal assault is being launched on the integrity of Karura Forest in the Sigiria Salient.

Ibis Hospitality Consultants Ltd, an outside catering company, is seeking license for a 5.1 hectare excision near Gate F to develop "indoor and outdoor sports and recreational facilities including and not limited to horse riding, archery, team-building, paint balling, mountain biking trails, children recreation, water sports, climbing wall, obstacle courses, restaurant, creative art and other related activities... [Italics ours]"

And that is just in the so-called 'license core area', which would surely have to expand to the whole of Sigiria to accommodate both the amusement-park activities and the attendant infrastructure, plus "...tented eco-friendly facilities for hosting twenty five overnight sporting participants together with the ancillary accommodation for staff on overnight duty." Sound like a lot? How about if you add the "world-class" spa, gym and swimming facility; a water sport body by dredging the old quarry area to create a man-made dam; a five-star hotel (forget about an eco-friendly camp site); a horse riding stable with all the ancillary support requirements; a high-class restaurant; and some new sports infrastructure to support archery and zip lines?

The license emanates from a tender call for development of 'eco-tourism' sites in Kenya Forest Reserves made in 2009, just before the Friends of Karura Forest Community Forest Association was constituted. Two firms were chosen with development proposals: Simba Lodge Ltd for a campsite-cum-conference centre in the main forest block, and Ibis Hospitality for the Karura Forest Sports and Recreational Camp and Camp Site in Sigiria.

The main forest proposal was quashed through vehement protestations by FKF's late patron, Prof. Wangai Maathai.  The Sigiria proposal went quietly to earth, as FKF worked hard over the intervening years to follow Wangari's lead to keep the forest safe and free from uncontrolled development into an amusement park, while at the same time providing low-impact improvements to enhance visitor access and experience

Rest assured that FKF will fight this 'amusement park' development proposal to the end. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kenya Forest Service in marshaling legal, economic, ethical, ecological and forest conservation arguments against the proposal. If needs be, peaceful protests will ensue: many more than Karura's 15,000 monthly visitors will be prepared to join in shouting, "Hands Off Karura."

The Kenya Forest Service discovered in July incursions into the Karura Forest from a surprising source: two Old Muthaiga Neighbourhood residents bordering the forest along the Gitathuru River opposite the bamboo grove near Junction 13.

One neighbour, Hon. Charles Njonjo, was building a stone wall some 10-15m into the forest side of the river. The other, Mr. Jeremy Block, had already four years ago quietly fenced an even larger piece, ca 20-25m wide. The total claims are about 0.2 ha, half an acre.

Stonewall (now removed) on forest side of Gitathuru River

The FKS Forester was quick to knock down the stone wall and demand that the materials be removed from his forest. Hon. Njonjo immediately complied and is now securing his plot on his side of the river.

Mr. Block alleges to hold a title deed that includes 'his' now-fenced portion of the Karura. He says that the land was excised by the Nairobi City Council many years ago. It's a strange tale. How would the NCC have any jurisdiction over a national forest reserve that's been gazetted since 1932? Mr. Block had been given 14 days to remove the fence, but has so far demurred.

Looking west toward Block portion of excised forest

Moreover, he has taken KFS to a constitutional court in order to seek its interpretation of the forest portion of his title deed. KFS has appointed a lawyer to defend its position that the forest boundary is in fact the mid-line of the river.

Dubious title deeds, handed out in the past under irregular circumstances, are rife in Kenya, as well all know. Karura has been a particularly prime target.

The Muthaiga neighbours' claims are extraordinary and extremely dangerous precedents in these troubled times when Karura is beset with fraudulent claims in other portions of the forest.

FKF supports the strong stance taken by the KFS against such blatant claims and incursions into Kenya's natural heritage.