MP’s Wife & Mother-in-Law Busted in Shady Forest Hotel Deal- Ngong Trees Axed for Secret Luxury Resort
A major hotel construction project in Ngong Road Forest has sparked public outrage, with Belgut MP Nelson Koech’s wife and mother-in-law revealed as key players in the company behind the development.
Yvonne Chepkurui Kones, the MP’s wife, and Beatrice Kones, his mother-in-law and the current MP for Bomet East, are listed as directors of Konyon Company Ltd, according to official company records. Another director is Arthur Konye Igeria.
The project has caused a stir among environmental groups and government officials. The Green Belt Movement has threatened legal action, while Environment CS Dr. Deborah Mulongo has ordered the construction to be halted immediately.
Political Ties Under Scrutiny
Nelson Koech, who represents Belgut Constituency, is married to Yvonne, the daughter of the late minister Kipkalya Kones and Beatrice Kones. Since 2017, Koech has served in Parliament alongside his mother-in-law, adding political weight to the controversy.
Koech, known for his real estate ventures, has drawn criticism for his family’s involvement in a project located on protected forest land.
Discrepancies in Project Details
During a public forum, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) said Konyon Company was awarded a contract to build 11 cottages in Ngong Forest. However, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) revealed that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) proposed 20 luxury cottages — nearly double the number.
To make matters worse, NEMA confirmed that no environmental license was issued before the construction began, raising serious questions about how the project got approved.
The development plans include:
- 20 luxury canvas-and-stone tent units
- A central reception tent
- Dining and recreation facilities
- A dome-shaped restaurant
- A wellness spa with sauna and massage rooms
- A 150-square-meter kitchen
- Staff housing and security features
Public Land, Private Profits?
The Green Belt Movement says the development is a misuse of public forest land disguised as eco-tourism. They accuse KFS of issuing low-impact permits meant for research, not commercial ventures.
“This construction started without any legal permit, making it both illegal and harmful to the environment,” the group said. They also criticized the developer for skipping a public meeting meant to discuss the project.
Government Orders Immediate Stop
Environment CS Dr. Deborah Mulongo has suspended all construction work in the forest and warned that KFS officers who approved the project will face disciplinary action.
“People are cutting trees to build hotels in Ngong Forest. That must stop now,” Mulongo said. “Those responsible will face consequences, including suspension.”
Dr. Mulongo emphasized her duty is to protect Kenya’s forest cover and wildlife, not to allow commercial use of public forests.
Unanswered Questions
Several issues remain unclear:
- Why was construction allowed to start without NEMA’s green light?
- Why does KFS mention 11 cottages while the EIA refers to 20 units?
- How were concrete structures approved when the EIA called for eco-friendly materials?
- Was political influence a factor in pushing the project forward?
The Green Belt Movement says their May 15 letter to KFS requesting details on the project went unanswered. Sources claim the development was meant to house guests for the upcoming AFCON 2027 tournament, which Kenya is co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania.
Past Controversies Surface
This isn’t the first time Nelson Koech’s family business dealings have raised eyebrows. In early 2023, a company called Shovels N Trowels Ltd, owned by his wife Yvonne, won a KSh1.1 billion contract for road repairs along Mombasa Road.
Critics called it a conflict of interest, as Koech was a sitting MP at the time. The deal led to the cancellation of an earlier agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation, raising further questions about transparency.
What’s Next?
While the government’s suspension of the project is seen as a win for environmental activists, the bigger picture is troubling. Kenya’s natural resources continue to face threats from powerful interests, and this case highlights the need for stronger oversight, transparency, and accountability.
The involvement of two current Members of Parliament in this forest project ensures the story will stay in the spotlight. With legal action looming and investigations underway, the public is watching closely to see if justice will be served and if Kenya’s forests will truly be protected.
MP’s Wife & Mother-in-Law Busted in Shady Forest Hotel Deal- Ngong Trees Axed for Secret Luxury Resort
