KFS officers invade Muthaiga Golf Club, say section of course is part of Karura Forest

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has taken over a section of the Muthaiga Golf Club course, cutting off members' access to the Front Nine, from Hole No. 2 through to Hole No. 9, over claims that the land falls within Karura Forest.

In an internal memo dated Tuesday, September 15, Muthaiga Golf Club chairman Dennis Mwirigi informed members that KFS had moved onto the course and taken over the affected holes, with the agency arguing that the section in question sits within the Karura Forest boundary.

"We wish to inform you that the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has invaded the course and taken over access to the Front Nine, from Hole No. 2 through to Hole No. 9. KFS is purporting that this section of the course falls within Karura Forest," Mwirigi said in the memo.

He said the club's board is seized of the matter and is working to resolve the situation as urgently as possible, though no timeline has been given for when the affected holes will reopen.

"The Board is seized of the matter and is trying their level best to resolve the situation as urgently as possible," he said.

In the meantime, the Front Nine remains off limits to members until further notice. Mwirigi noted, however, that the club's driving range and parking areas have not been affected and remain open as usual.

"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience, understanding and cooperation as the Club works to resolve this matter," he said.

Muthaiga Golf Club, which was named Kenya's Best Golf Course at the 2025 World Golf Awards, is one of the country's oldest and most prestigious golfing establishments.

The dispute adds to a string of recent standoffs between KFS and private landowners and institutions over land the agency says encroaches on gazetted forest land in and around Nairobi.