Ruto Endorses Construction of Three Hotels in Meru Park After Ngong Scandal
President William Ruto has announced the approval of licences for the construction of three hotels within Meru National Park, a move by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) that comes just days after a contentious hotel project in Nairobi’s Ngong Road Forest was suspended amid public uproar.
Speaking during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund in Meru County, President Ruto stated that the new developments aim to boost tourism and enhance local livelihoods. The Kenya Wildlife Service, under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, has granted the necessary permits for the hotel projects, which will include local investors to ensure community participation in the region’s tourism-driven economic growth.
“KWS and our ministry have handed out licences for the construction of three hotels within Meru National Park. Local investors should also be included in the investment plans for the park,” said President Ruto. He emphasized that tourism investments must benefit surrounding communities and contribute to regional development.
In addition to the hotel projects, President Ruto disclosed that Ksh250 million has been allocated for the renovation of Meru Mulika Airstrip to improve accessibility for tourists. Acknowledging the limitation of the current budget, he pledged additional funding to fully unlock the park’s tourism potential.
The President also hinted that similar tourism infrastructure projects are underway in other national parks across Kenya, positioning them as part of a broader national strategy to grow the tourism sector sustainably.
The announcement, however, arrives amid heightened scrutiny over government-backed development projects in Kenya’s green spaces. On May 17, the government halted the proposed construction of an eco-camp within Ngong Road Forest following widespread criticism from environmental activists and the public.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) suspended the project after the Green Belt Movement (GBM) raised concerns over environmental degradation and lack of transparency. GBM released images allegedly showing a luxury hotel under construction and demanded the disclosure of the private developer involved, warning of potential threats to forest conservation and water catchment protection.
The Ngong Forest incident sparked a national debate about the commercialization of protected natural areas and the need for greater transparency in the allocation of such public resources.
As the government advances its tourism infrastructure agenda, President Ruto’s administration faces the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability and public trust. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how future projects address these concerns.
PCS
Also Read: Governor Natembeya Declares Himself a “General” in Continued Pushback Against Government
Ruto Endorses Construction of Three Hotels in Meru Park After Ngong Scandal