This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 26, 2020, the national government launched a plan to reclaim land in Ngong' forest, which has been illegally occupied by individuals.
The government has identified over 800 homes in the forest that will be demolished, including lavish estates and business premises.
Some of the estates that will be affected include Kenya Medical Association Estate, Lang'ata Gardens, Royal Park, Langa’ta View Gardens, and Forest Edge.
St. Mary's Hospital will also be demolished as part of the government's efforts to reclaim the land.
Keriako Tobiko, the Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, announced the plan to reclaim the land, stating that it will be done with immediate effect.
He warned those occupying the land to surrender and leave, or face the consequences, likening the situation to the Mau Forest evictions.
Tobiko read a directive from President Uhuru Kenyatta, which ordered the government to reclaim all areas of the forest that have been illegally occupied.
The government plans to fence off the reclaimed land using wildlife-proof material and create a corridor for wildlife.
Those who have issued fraudulent title deeds will have their titles revoked, and everyone in the forest will be evicted.
