The details of the owners of a company named Konyon that is building a hotel in Ngong Forest have emerged.
According to news reports, the directors of the company include Beatrice Pauline Kones, Yvonne Chepkurui Kones, and another director named Arthur Konye Igeria.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) stated that the decision to build a hotel within Ngong Forest was made after Konyon Company won a tender to construct 20 luxury cottages in 2024.
However, the ongoing construction of the luxury hotel continues despite questions raised about a lack of public participation by the National Environmental Authority (NEMA). Records from NEMA show that no license was granted for the development.
Despite this, NEMA confirmed that the company has been operating in Ngong Forest without a license.
According to NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted by a private consultant hired by Konyon Company, which was later dismissed because it was viewed as misleading.
Owners of Konyon Company Building a Hotel in Ngong Forest Revealed
NEMA also flagged inconsistencies in the project’s scope, stating that the original plan involved 20 cottages, not 11 as reported by KFS.
The proposed structures include luxury tented units made of canvas and stone, a reception tent, multiple recreational and dining areas, including a hexadome restaurant, breakfast, and alfresco dining tents, a yoga deck, and a meeting room.
Additional facilities mentioned in the project plan include wellness and activity centers, such as a spa with a sauna and steam rooms, a concrete kitchen (150m²) with adjoining storage, linen/laundry facilities, staff housing, a security post, and an electrical room.
Also Read: KFS Bows to Pressure After Uproar Over Construction of Luxurious Ngong Forest Hotel
According to the EIA consultant, he recommended that the contractor scale down the scope from 20 to 10 units to minimize environmental impact.
On the other hand, the Green Belt Movement (GBM) issued a statement on Tuesday May 27, 2025, regarding the Stakeholder Meeting about Hotel Development in Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary.
Green Belt Condemns Construction of Hotel
The GBM, who attended the stakeholder consultative meeting convened by KFS concerning the controversial construction of a luxury hotel within the Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, said the proceedings of the meeting only deepened their alarm over the grave irregularities surrounding the project.
“First, it was glaringly evident that the principle of public participation enshrined in our Constitution was grossly neglected. Shockingly, the developer, Konyon Company Ltd., who bears the legal and ethical obligation to organize and facilitate meaningful public consultations, failed to attend the meeting entirely. This absence was a blatant disregard for transparency and stakeholder accountability,” read part of their statement.
The Association also revealed further damning information: the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Consultant admitted that the project had already commenced before obtaining any form of licensing from NEMA.
Also Read: KFS Clarifies Construction of Luxurious Ngong Forest Hotel After Uproar
“This blatant violation of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act renders the project not only illegitimate but also environmentally reckless. Following these violations,” the Green Belt Movement said it is considering taking legal action against the government to halt the ongoing construction of the hotel.
“As custodians of Kenya’s forests and heirs to the legacy of Prof. Wangari Maathai, the Green Belt Movement will not stand by as forests are sacrificed at the altar of private greed. We are now strongly considering legal action to halt this development and protect Ngong Road Forest from irreversible degradation,” said the Association.
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