By Nyang’au Araka

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has dismissed as “misleading, unfounded and inflammatory” claims that the upgrade and relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage will lead to the destruction of the upland forest in Nairobi National Park.

In a press statement, KWS said the project is a “carefully planned, lawful, and forward-looking initiative” aimed at improving wildlife conservation, animal welfare, conservation education, and visitor experience.

The agency was responding to concerns raised by a group identifying itself as Friends of Nairobi National Park (FoNNaP), which has alleged that the development threatens sensitive ecosystems within the park.

However, KWS insisted the claims do not reflect the facts.

“KWS wishes to clarify that these claims are misleading, unfounded and inflammatory,” the statement read.

Established in 1964, the Nairobi Animal Orphanage has played a critical role in rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for wildlife for over six decades.

But KWS says the facility has been overtaken by demand and no longer meets modern international standards.

“With increasing visitor numbers, growing demand for wildlife rescue, and evolving international standards on animal welfare, the current facility within Nairobi National Park no longer meets modern requirements,” KWS noted.

The agency emphasized that the project fully complies with legal and environmental requirements.

It cited adherence to the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, and confirmed that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted and approved.

“In full compliance with environmental law, an Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted… NEMA reviewed and approved the project and issued an EIA licence,” KWS said, adding that stakeholder engagement was carried out, including public participation forums.

According to KWS, the relocation—first conceptualised in 2013—is driven by the need to align with globally recognised animal welfare standards, including those of the World Organisation for Animal Health and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The agency outlined several benefits of the new facility, including larger and more natural enclosures, a fully equipped veterinary and treatment unit, a modern wildlife hospital with surgical capacity, and quarantine and nursery facilities for rescued animals.

Other features will include expanded visitor amenities, improved waste management systems, and outdoor learning spaces to enhance conservation education.

“Provide larger, more natural and humane enclosures” and “decongest the current facility and improve visitor flow and safety” are among the key objectives of the project, the statement said.

KWS also highlighted the economic benefits, noting that the upgraded facility is expected to create over 500 direct jobs and additional opportunities for service providers.

The existing orphanage site will not be abandoned but will instead be restored and rewilded to reinforce the ecological integrity of Nairobi National Park.

The agency further noted that the new facility is strategically located near key infrastructure such as the Bomas International Convention Centre, which will enhance accessibility and strengthen Nairobi’s position as a global conservation and tourism hub.

“This project represents a deliberate investment in improved animal welfare, environmental sustainability, enhanced conservation education, and jobs creation,” KWS said.

Amid ongoing public debate amplified on platforms such as Kisii Press Club, KWS reaffirmed its constitutional mandate to conserve and manage wildlife for present and future generations.

“The relocation and upgrade of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage is both a conservation necessity and a strategic step towards delivering a modern facility aligned with national priorities and international standards,” the agency stated.