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Lobby gives Nema ultimatum to stop Rafiki Camp project
A pride of lions rests while hundreds of wildebeest graze in the expansive Maasai Mara game reserve. A row between camp owners in the reserve is might end up in court after a lobby group gives Nema an ultimatum to stop the construction of a luxury camp within the Mara. PHOTO | GEORGE SAYAGIE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
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The lobby’s chairman, Mr Elijah Sikona, and its coordinator Paul Mugo Maina waded into the row between the owners and a section of hoteliers, arguing that the high-end facility would be detrimental to wildlife survival and a source of conflict in the region.
But a co-owner of the camp, Mr Gideon Kimai, argued that the land where the lodge is being built is private property.
Two weeks ago, two hotels claimed that Rafiki Camp, which is being set up by Mr Kimai and a German couple, is a threat to conservation.
A simmering row over the construction of a luxury camp on the banks of the Mara River has taken a new twist after a human rights body threatened to sue the investors.
Trusted Society of Human Rights Alliance gave a seven-day ultimatum to the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and the National Construction Authority (NCA) to stop the Rafiki Camp project, which it says is a threat to conservation.
