Court Dismisses Petition Against Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp

The Environment and Land Court in Narok has struck out a petition challenging the construction and operation of the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp. Justice Lucy Gacheru dismissed the case brought by the East Africa Tour Guides Drivers Association.

The judge ruled that the dispute should have been filed before the National Environment Tribunal first. The association had sought orders restraining the developers from continuing operations, advertising, marketing or receiving bookings for the safari camp.

The petitioners also sought orders compelling the Narok County Government and the National Environment Management Authority to suspend or revoke all operational licences, permits and approvals issued for the project.

The petitioners alleged that the development had obstructed an ancient wildlife migration route used by approximately 1.5 million wildebeest. They claimed the camp comprises permanent concrete structures erected within a protected riparian zone along the Sand River.

The respondents, including Lazizi Mara Limited, Ritz-Carlton Company LLC and Marriott International Inc., opposed the petition. They argued that the case was premature because the petitioners had not exhausted the statutory dispute resolution mechanisms available under the law.

They denied the allegations of environmental non-compliance, stating that the camp was lawfully developed after a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted. Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga told the court that the Maasai Mara National Reserve is managed by the Narok County Government.

In her ruling, Justice Gacheru found that the dispute centred on development approvals, environmental licences and planning decisions that fall within specialised statutory mechanisms. The court struck out the petition with costs to the respondents.

The Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp offers 20 treetop tented suites and other luxury amenities. The project has attracted significant interest as a high-end tourism development in the iconic Maasai Mara Reserve.