This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
On August 6, 2019, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Najib Balala, took swift action to protect the country's wildlife heritage. He instructed the Director-General of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Brig. (Rtd.) John Waweru, to issue a stop order to a private developer and erect a fence around the area between the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line and the Nairobi National Park.
The construction of go-downs and warehouses had begun in the area, sparking concerns about the encroachment of private development into the park. The Director-General has also been directed to investigate the alleged private construction and report back with recommended actions to remedy the situation.
As part of his directive, the Director-General has been instructed to ensure that any encroachment into any National Park or Game Reserve is stopped immediately. This move is in line with the Ministry's commitment to conserving and protecting Kenya's national heritage.
"As a government Ministry, we are committed to conserving and protecting our national heritage. We are focused on improving and modernizing Kenya's wildlife conservation sector, under the banner KENYANS FOR WILDLIFE & WILDLIFE FOR KENYANS," said Balala. "Wildlife is key to the success of our tourism sector, which is 70% wildlife-based."
The Ministry has also notified the general public that no encroachment will be allowed into any of the National Parks and Game Reserves. Any attempt to tamper with the designated boundaries or areas will be dealt with firmly, as per the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013.
The location of the encroachment in question is behind the SGR Syokimau Terminus, on the western boundary of Nairobi National Park. The encroachment spans a 1.6-kilometre stretch of the Park, with a width varying between 5 to 13 metres.
