Kenya: Court Halts Ngong Road Forest Road Project Pending September Ruling

What the report says

Kenya’s Environment and Land Court has issued temporary orders stopping work on a road cutting through Ngong Road Forest in Nairobi, affecting a planned link between Talanta Stadium and the Bomas International Conference Centre. According to Capital FM, as distributed by AllAfrica, the court barred further excavation, tree felling, land clearing and construction in the disputed section of the forest while it considers a petition challenging the project.

The case was brought jointly by the Law Society of Kenya, the Green Belt Movement and JustAct, which are contesting the Kenya Urban Roads Authority’s move to excise part of the forest for the road alignment. Justice J.G. Kemei directed the respondents to file replies by August 17, with a ruling on the application set for September 16, 2026. Until then, construction in the affected area remains suspended.

The order could slow infrastructure work tied to the Talanta Stadium project, a major government sports investment. Environmental groups said the dispute is not about opposing development, but about ensuring projects follow constitutional and environmental safeguards. They argue the forest provides ecosystem services such as water catchment protection, biodiversity support and air quality benefits that would be difficult to replace if damaged.

The ruling adds to broader scrutiny of infrastructure projects affecting protected land in Kenya. In general, such cases often turn on balancing public works against conservation rules, especially where forests are seen as critical natural assets.