Why court has stopped construction in Nairobi National Park

The Environment and Land Court in Nairobi has barred the government from constructing a car park at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.

Justice Grace Kemei issued the orders on October 27, 2026, in a petition filed by 4,642 Kenyans, prohibiting vegetation clearance, tree felling, excavation and construction within the disputed area pending determination of the case.

In the ruling, the court directed that the site’s status quo, as documented in a report following a court visit on July 21, be maintained.

The orders, however, allowed Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), with the court’s permission, to undertake works strictly necessary to secure the excavated and fenced Phase One area against erosion and further degradation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in these orders restrain KWS from the care, treatment and welfare of animals at the existing orphanage, nor does it restrain the sixth respondent from carrying out works on its own property which is outside the park,” ruled Kemei.

Source: Standard