Pragmatism Must Inform Decisions on Looming Ngong Forest Excision

In 2020, Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said land in Ngong Forest occupied by several Lang’ata estates, St Mary’s Hospital and public institutions would be reclaimed to create a wildlife corridor linking the forest to Nairobi National Park. After years of debate and a petition to Parliament, the State Department of Forestry said in July 2026 that residents must submit a formal petition with an environmental impact assessment. A public forum in Lang’ata in mid-October endorsed changing the forest boundary to accommodate existing developments, potentially leading to the degazettement of 34 acres if Parliament approves. Ibrahim Mwathane argues that the State and Parliament should act pragmatically because these neighbourhoods have been part of Nairobi for decades.