KENYAN AUTHORITIES SUPPORT RITZ-CARLTON MARA CAMP, DENY IT BLOCKS WILDLIFE MIGRATION

Kenyan environmental and County authorities have issued a defense of the Ritz-Carlton luxury Safari Camp in the Masai Mara, refuting claims by Maasai leaders that the development blocks the wildebeest migration route and harms endangered species.

The statements come in response to a lawsuit and public campaign led by Dr. Meitamei Olol Dapash, a Maasai elder and Director of the Maasai Education, Research and Conservation (MERC) Institute, who alleges the camp disrupts the famous Wildebeast Migration and “desecrates” habitats.

In an official letter, the Narok County Government labeled the claims “unfounded, malicious and self-serving,” saying that the camp is a “lawful lessee” operating in full compliance with Kenyan law and the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) addressed the environmental concerns raised by opponents. The allegation is that the camp blocks a key wildebeest crossing on the Sand River. NEMA stated that the project site is characterised by “dense riverine vegetation, which is not a typical crossing habitat for wildebeests.“

The authority noted that historical data show that preferred crossings are in “open grassland areas along the Mara River,” not in the vegetated riverine area where the camp is located. It further stated that an inspection on July 31, 2025, “confirmed compliance of the facility to the EIA license and conditions therein.“

Addressing whether the project followed due process, NEMA confirmed that the developer, Lazizi Mara Limited, applied for and was granted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license on May 14, 2024, after submitting a Comprehensive Project Report. A variation license was also later approved.

Regarding public participation of the EIA process, NEMA stated that a consultation meeting was held with local Maasai community elders on April 18, 2024, and that “all participants expressed support for the project.“

On the sensitive issue of “land grabs,” NEMA clarified that its role is confined to environmental regulation and that the Narok County Government holds jurisdiction over land allocation within the reserve. The developer provided a “duly executed land lease agreement with the Narok County Government, dated 5th February 2024.”