KWS responds after image of ongoing construction at Nairobi National park causes uproar

The Kenya Wildlife Service has responded after an image of an ongoing construction at the Nairobi National Park went viral on social media.

Through a statement to the press, KWS refuted reports that a new road being is being constructed and will pass through the park.

“KWS has recently noted reports appearing in social media platforms insinuating that there is a new express way road being built next to the SGR passing through Nairobi National Park,” read part of the statement.

KWS clarified that a local constructor was improving the road joining KWS headquarters to Central Workshop in the park.

“Currently, he is scooping murram from a quarry near the Standard Gauge Railway for use on the existing murram road.

"The contractor will rehabilitate the quarry pit after completing the works on the road in accordance with an Environmental Management Plan approved and availed to him by KWS Management,” said KWS.

Several Kenyans raised concerns on Twitter and shared the image which showed an excavator scooping murram from a quarry and four lions next to it.

Journalist James Smart shared the image and captioned it, “Lions at Nairobi National Park watching destruction of their habitat to pave way for an express road. Saddest picture on the internet today.”

However, the owner of the photo, Vishal Shikotra took to his Instagram and urged people to stop using his images to spread false information.

"People should not use my photos and post wrong or false information. Sadly this photo is being branded about on Twitter claiming that it is KWS building a highway through the park. Please take note that this is totally untrue.

“These are the murram pits between no.7 and no.8 which are being excavated for road repairs of the park road as usual. KWS do not bring in soil from outside the park,” stated Shikotra.