
President William Ruto and other leaders during Meru Park Visit. (Photo/Statehouse).
By Daisy Okiring
President William Ruto has approved the construction of three hotel facilities within Meru National Park, less than two weeks after a controversial hotel development in Nairobi’s Ngong Forest was suspended.
Speaking in Meru County during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund, Ruto announced that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) had already issued licenses for the new projects. He urged that local investors be included in the development, noting that the move is intended to boost tourism and improve local livelihoods.
“KWS and the ministry have approved the construction of three hotels inside Meru National Park. Local investors must be part of the tourism growth strategy in this area,” said Ruto.
The move has reignited public concern over the increasing commercialization of Kenya’s protected green spaces.
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The President emphasized that similar tourism infrastructure projects are being rolled out across other national parks in Kenya to unlock regional economic potential. He also revealed that Ksh250 million has been allocated for the renovation of Meru Mulika Airstrip to enhance access for visitors, though he admitted more funding would be needed.
These announcements follow recent backlash over an eco-camp project in Ngong Road Forest. The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) halted that development on May 17 after public protests and criticism from environmental groups, including the Green Belt Movement. Critics had raised concerns about deforestation, lack of transparency, and potential threats to biodiversity and water catchment areas.
The proximity of Ruto’s new announcement to the Ngong Forest controversy has reignited debates over the commercial use of Kenya’s protected green spaces and the balance between conservation and tourism development.
While the government argues that such projects will boost tourism and benefit local economies, environmental advocates warn that hasty approvals and lack of transparency risk undermining conservation goals.