The Environment and Land Court in Narok, Kenya, has dismissed a petition seeking to halt operations at the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp.
The court ruled that the case was premature and that the petitioner did not use the dispute mechanisms available under environmental and wildlife legislation.
The petition, filed by Joel Meitamei Ole Dapash, alleged that the camp, built along the Sand River inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, could obstruct wildlife migration routes, including those used during the annual wildebeest migration.
However, the camp’s developers and other respondents told the court that all required approvals were obtained before construction, including an environmental impact assessment licence issued by the National Environment Management Authority in May 2024.
They also argued that the camp is located about 15km from the nearest recognised migration corridor and that mitigation measures were implemented following public participation with local stakeholders.
In her ruling, Justice Lucy Gacheru upheld a preliminary objection raised by Narok County government and dismissed the petition.
The court found that challenges to environmental approvals must first be taken to the relevant statutory bodies, such as the National Environment Tribunal, before being brought before the court.
Because these processes were not followed, the case was dismissed.
