This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
On August 6, 2019, Tourism CS Najib Balala made headlines by rejecting an appeal made to him by the Deputy President to allow a private developer to encroach Nairobi National Park.
The developer had sought to build industrial go-downs and warehouses between the Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi National Park, using their close relationship with the Deputy President to influence the Tourism Ministry.
However, CS Balala refused the calls and asked KWS Director General Brig. (Rtd.) John Waweru to launch a probe into the alleged private construction inside the Nairobi National Park and give a report.
"To safeguard the Park, the Director-General of KWS issues a stop order immediately to the private developer and erect a fence around the area affected, to secure the parkland, and this has already been done," CS Balala said on Tuesday.
He also warned anyone who tries to encroach national parks or game reserves for their private business gains will be prosecuted immediately in accordance with the laws of the land.
"Any attempt to tamper with the designated boundaries or areas will be dealt with firmly, as per the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013," he added.
