Kenya Forest Service has issued a statement following an uproar over the ongoing rail construction works inside Ngong Road Forest in Nairobi.
Some quarters have argued that the construction works by the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) are illegal and pose a danger to the forest’s biodiversity.
However, KFS confirmed that the rail constructions are official and were authorised after receiving Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, public participation report and design report from KRC.
"Kenya Forest Service wishes to confirm that the ongoing works by Kenya Railways Corporation at Ngong Road Forest are official," said KFS.The KRC intends to undertake the construction of the proposed Riruta – Ngong Meter Gauge Railway Commuter project, which will enhance transportation systems and ease traffic congestion.
Kenya Forest said the rehabilitation of the 5.2 acres which will be utilised in the construction will be undertaken to ensure recovery of biodiversity. There will also be a replacement of affected forest infrastructure.
