The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued licences for the construction of hotels within Meru National Park, President William Ruto has announced.
Ruto's announcement comes just days after the government was forced to cancel a similar project in Nairobi's Ngong Road Forest following an uproar.
Speaking in Meru during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund, Ruto said KWS had authorised the development of modern hotel facilities in the park, amid growing scrutiny over the allocation of Kenya's green spaces to investors under unclear terms.
"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," President Ruto said.
Ruto noted that the initiative is aimed at attracting more tourists to the region, to boost the economic potential of the national park and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
He further directed that local investors be allowed to participate in setting up such amenities, ensuring that residents also benefit from the tourism revenue generated in the area.
The Head of State added that similar projects are being rolled out in other national parks across the country as part of a broader strategy to grow Kenya’s tourism sector.
Meanwhile, Ruto revealed that the government had allocated Ksh250 million for the renovation of the Meru Mulika Airstrip to enhance access to the region. However, he admitted the funds were insufficient and pledged more resources would be allocated.
''We have released Ksh250 million to renovate Meru Mulika Airstrip so that it can attract tourists. I know that may not be enough, but we are looking for additional resources to unlock the tourism potential of this region,'' he said.
The developments follow the government’s decision on May 17 to suspend the proposed construction of an eco-camp in Ngong Road Forest after public outcry.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), through the Chief Conservator of Forests, halted the project after intense backlash on social media and calls for transparency.
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) had raised alarm over the encroachment, citing images of a luxury hotel under construction within the forest. In a demand letter to KFS, GBM called for the identity of the private developer to be made public and for the project to be stopped, warning that it posed serious environmental risks.
The movement had argued that the construction of a hotel in the middle of the forest posed a danger to the encroachment of protected forests, both as a water catchment and a natural habitat, calling for urgent intervention.
