This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
Published on June 26, 2020, the government has initiated a process to reclaim land grabbed from Ngong' Forest, a move that will see several families lose their homes.
According to Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko, over 800 homes built on a section of land hived off the forest have been earmarked for demolition.
The targeted estates include Kenya Medical Association Estate, Lang'ata Gardens, Royal Park I, II and III, Langa’ta View Gardens, and Forest Edge, as well as St. Mary's Mission Hospital.
CS Tobiko stated that owners of the properties to be demolished will not receive any compensation from the government, as the parcels of land were acquired illegally.
“I’m at this moment declaring the immediate commencement of the recovery process of the land in the Ngong' Road Forest that individuals have illegally acquired over the years,” said CS Tobiko, adding that the order was made by President Uhuru.
He further noted that the government will erect a fence around the forest once the grabbed land is recovered, creating a corridor for wildlife.
