The Environment and Land Court in Nairobi has issued an order blocking the construction of a car park inside the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. The ruling, made on October 27, 2026, by Justice Grace Kemei, prohibits any construction of the proposed parking facility within the orphanage and prevents any works that could destroy parts of Nairobi National Park. The orders will remain in effect until the case is determined.
The case was filed by 4,642 Kenyans who are challenging development projects related to the relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the redevelopment of Bomas of Kenya. The petitioners argue that a proposed car park, access road, and pedestrian bridge threaten wildlife habitats and could permanently alter sections of the protected park. They claim that the projects lack necessary approvals and public participation required by environmental and conservation laws.
The petitioners also question the allocation of land inside the park for permanent infrastructure, citing that it conflicts with the Nairobi National Park Management Plan 2020-2030. The plan designates parts of the affected area as a low-use conservation zone. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) wants to relocate the orphanage to a new site opposite Bomas of Kenya, citing the need to handle a rising number of rescued animals and visitors.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about vegetation clearing and the potential loss of protected parkland. The court's directives follow earlier conservatory orders issued in July 2026, which halted construction and development activities linked to the proposed relocation. The petitioners had accused KWS officers of preventing them from participating in a court-ordered site inspection on July 21, 2026.
Deputy Registrar Vincent Kiplagat supervised the site inspection, which was documented in a report written by Carolyne Kubwa. The Kenya Wildlife Service, the Attorney General, and other respondents are named in the petition. The court's orders have effectively stopped contractors from clearing vegetation, felling trees, excavating or grading land, putting up fences, or carrying out any other construction within the disputed area.
The proposed relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and redevelopment of Bomas of Kenya have sparked controversy among conservationists and environmentalists. The petitioners argue that the projects will have a significant impact on the wildlife habitats and the ecosystem of the Nairobi National Park. The court's decision to halt the construction of the car park has been seen as a victory for conservationists and environmentalists.
The case is set to continue, with the court yet to make a final determination on the matter. The Kenya Wildlife Service and the Attorney General will have to present their arguments in court to justify the proposed relocation and redevelopment projects. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for conservation efforts in Kenya and the management of protected areas.
Key points
- The Environment and Land Court has halted construction of a car park within the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, citing concerns over wildlife habitats and protected parkland.
- The case was filed by 4,642 Kenyans who are challenging development projects related to the relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the redevelopment of Bomas of Kenya.
- The court's orders have effectively stopped contractors from clearing vegetation, felling trees, excavating or grading land, putting up fences, or carrying out any other construction within the disputed area.
