Environmental activists and parliamentarians demand answers as controversial luxury facility construction continues despite missing permits
The controversial construction of a luxury hotel inside Nairobi’s protected Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary has taken a dramatic turn after Nelson Amenya, the whistleblower who exposed the failed Adani-JKIA deal, publicly named the wife of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) MP Nelson Koech as one of the directors behind the project.
Political Connections Exposed
Amenya linked the construction of eco-camps within the Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary to Yvonne Chepkurui Kones, wife of Belgut MP Nelson Koech, alleging the project aims to accommodate guests during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has confirmed that Konyon Company Ltd, awarded the contract to build the facility, lists three directors: Beatrice Pauline Kones, Yvonne Chepkurui Kones, and Arthur Konye Igeria. The former MP Beatrice Kones holds 500 shares in the company, the same number held by her daughter Yvonne.
The family connection runs deep – Nelson Koech married Yvonne Chepkurui Kones, the second-born daughter of the late Cabinet Minister Kipkalya Kones and current Bomet East MP Beatrice Kones, creating a unique arrangement where Koech serves in Parliament alongside his mother-in-law since 2017.
Amenya’s Call for Accountability
Taking to social media platform X, Amenya posted: “These people must be held accountable at some point.” The whistleblower, known for his role in exposing government deals, called on Kenyans to resist what he described as “blatant impunity” and the abuse of protected public land.
His latest revelations follow his successful campaign against the controversial JKIA-Adani deal last year, which saw widespread public protests force President William Ruto to cancel the agreement that would have handed management of Kenya’s main airport to the Indian conglomerate Adani Group.
Environmental and Legal Concerns Mount
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has been vocal in its opposition to the project, accusing the Kenya Forest Service of approving construction without proper public consultation. The environmental organization claims the developer bypassed mandatory participation forums and began construction without obtaining necessary licenses from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Construction of the luxury camping facility is already visible within the forest, with work proceeding despite questions about proper authorization. The project, described as eco-camps, is intended to provide accommodation facilities ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Parliamentary Intervention
A parliamentary committee has ordered the immediate suspension of ongoing construction until the identity of the private developer is revealed and proper procedures are followed. MPs are demanding transparency in the approval process and questioning how the project received authorization to proceed within a protected forest area.
The controversy highlights broader concerns about conflict of interest in government projects, particularly involving politicians and their families. This is not the first time Yvonne Chepkirui Kones has been connected to government contracts – her company Shovels N Trowels was previously involved in repairs to sections damaged during Nairobi Expressway construction.
Forest Protection at Stake
The Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary serves as one of Nairobi’s few remaining green spaces, providing crucial environmental services to the capital city. Environmental groups argue that allowing commercial development within the forest sets a dangerous precedent for the protection of Kenya’s remaining forest cover.
The GBM has signaled its intent to pursue legal action to halt the project and protect the forest from what it terms “irreversible damage.” The organization emphasizes that any development within protected forest areas must follow strict environmental guidelines and involve comprehensive public consultation.
Pattern of Whistleblowing
Amenya’s exposure of the Ngong Forest hotel controversy follows his established pattern of highlighting questionable government deals. His revelation of the secret JKIA-Adani negotiations in 2024 sparked nationwide protests and ultimately forced the government to abandon the 30-year concession agreement.
The whistleblower has previously expressed concerns about his safety following his high-profile exposures of government dealings, but continues to use social media platforms to highlight what he perceives as instances of public interest concerns.
What’s Next?
As the controversy unfolds, several key questions remain unanswered:
- Will the parliamentary committee’s suspension order be enforced?
- What was the actual tender process for awarding the contract to Konyon Company Ltd?
- Did the project receive all necessary environmental clearances before construction began?
- How will the government address concerns about conflict of interest involving MPs’ families in government contracts?
The Green Belt Movement’s threatened legal action could provide additional scrutiny of the project’s approval process, while public pressure continues to mount for greater transparency in the use of protected public lands.
The case represents another test of President Ruto’s administration’s commitment to environmental protection and transparent governance, particularly following previous controversies involving questionable contracts and deals that have faced public opposition.
This story continues to develop as investigations proceed and stakeholders respond to the allegations.
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