Kenya Forest Service Sets Record Straight on Claims of Grabbing Muthaiga Golf Club Land

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has clarified the status of land at Muthaiga Golf Club following a dispute over a section of the golf course that the agency says encroaches on Karura Forest.

KFS said Karura Forest was surveyed in the early 1920s, with the survey registered in 1923. The forest covers approximately 1,041.1 hectares and was declared a Forest Reserve through Proclamation No. 44 of 1932.

According to KFS, Karura Forest was later declared a Central Forest, alongside other state forests gazetted before independence, through Legal Notice No. 174 of May 20, 1964.

The agency said the dispute centres on land claimed by Muthaiga Golf Club under title LR No. 13134/3. KFS claims that the parcel encroaches onto the gazetted Karura Forest by approximately 21.8 hectares.

The claim comes after access to part of Muthaiga Golf Club was restricted, with the affected section covering the area between Hole No. 2 and Hole No. 9.

KFS and Golf Club to Seek Solution

KFS said the differing positions on ownership between the two entities have prompted plans for a meeting at the KFS headquarters.

The meeting will seek to find an amicable solution to the dispute.

“Owing to the difference in ownership positions between the two entities, a meeting will be held at KFS HQs aimed at seeking an amicable solution,” KFS said.

The planned meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to address the ownership question and work towards resolving the dispute.

Also Read:KFS Takes Over Part of Muthaiga Golf Club Over Karura Forest Claim

Muthaiga Golf Club Restricts Access

The development follows a memo from Muthaiga Golf Club chairman Dennis Mwirigi dated Tuesday, September 15, informing members that the Front Nine would remain inaccessible until further notice.

Mwirigi said the affected section runs from Hole No. 2 to Hole No. 9.