This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
Located in the heart of Karura Forest in Nairobi, the River Café has been at the center of controversy, with concerns raised over its impact on the forest cover and allegations of conflict of interest against its owner, Mrs. Sophie Kinyua, who is the wife of KFS board chairman Peter Kinyua.
According to National Assembly Environment Committee Chairman Kareke Mbiuki, the establishment of such restaurants is responsible for the dwindling forest cover, with senior government officials allocating spaces in the natural resource for commercial gain.
Mr. Mbiuki, who is also the Maara Member of Parliament, stated that the House has adopted a report that found Mr. Kinyua guilty of conflict of interest and that it came as a shocker when he learnt that he had been awarded another term at the board.
He added that if found guilty, Mr. Kinyua should be barred from holding public office, as he contravened section 101 of the Penal Code and Public Officer Ethics Act 2003, as well as the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State Corporations.
Conservationists have raised concerns over the existence of the café, citing the area where it stands was designated as a place for indigenous tree planting in 2014, leading to the felling of trees and space cleared for the project.
When asked about the matter, Chief Conservator of Forests Julius Kamau declined to comment, while Mr. Kinyua referred the Sunday Nation to lobby group Friends of Karura.
Mr. Kinyua had previously admitted that the joint was being run by his spouse, stating that she had run it for close to two years before he became chairperson of the board.
Members of the committee had asked the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the matter and take action.
Published on July 28, 2019, a task force report had accused the KFS board of wanton destruction of the country's forest cover, stating that the board had played a part in the destruction of precious trees and had even institutionalised corruption and abuse of office.
