The Environment and Land Court in Kilifi County has ordered a temporary suspension of all construction of affordable housing at Watamu Public Park, following a petition filed by environmental activist Halima Lali Mohamed.
The decision has been hailed by conservationists as a “Christmas gift” for the preservation of one of the coastal town’s last public green spaces.
The petition challenges the development, citing violations of environmental regulations by the Attorney General, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Ministry of Lands and Housing, the Affordable Housing Board, and the Kilifi County Government.
According to Mohamed, the project threatens the park’s ecological integrity, and she strongly condemned the cutting of trees at Watamu Park to create space for the affordable housing project, calling it a serious threat to the environment and the town’s natural heritage.
Presiding over the case, Justice Mwangi Njoroge certified the matter as urgent and issued interim orders to maintain the status quo at plot number 70, Watamu.
“In the interim and having regard to the provisions of Article 70(1) (2) and (3) and the requirement of precautionary principle under section 3(5) (f) of the Environmental Management and Co-Ordination Act CAP 387, it is hereby ordered that the status quo of plot no 70 Watamu as at the date of this order shall be respected and observed by all the parties for a period of 14 days from today, that is until hearing inter-partes on 7/1/2026,” the judge ordered
The court also ordered the petitioner to immediately serve the notice of motion to all respondents, who are required to file their responses within seven days.
The full hearing is scheduled to take place virtually on January 7, 2026.
Mohamed said the court’s action represents a significant step in protecting the park, adding, “This is a big step towards saving Watamu Park,” praising the court’s precautionary approach.
The court orders followed widespread protests by Watamu residents who opposed the government’s decision to cut down trees and build on the public park.
Locals argued that the development threatened the town’s environment, tourism, and community space.
