Green Belt Movement Opposes Plan To Hive Off 51 Acres of Karura Forest for Kiambu Rd Expansion
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has moved to court challenging the government’s decision to expand the Kiambu Road. GBM claims that 51.64 acres of wayleave in Karura Forest will be used for the dualling of Kiambu Road, adding that a private entity was granted the special user license without obtaining any Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) or the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
GBM argues that proceeding with the road construction and granting approvals for the recreational facility and the ablution block without obtaining the requisite license is a deeply misguided and detrimental move that prioritises the short-term economic gain of a small minority over the long-term well-being of the nation’s environment and future generations.
The Movement now wants the court to quash the tender/agreement entered into between the Government of Kenya and the Sinohydro1 Corporation Limited or any other person or persons for the dualling of Kiambu Road without obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment licence.