NAROK, KENYA – The developer behind the contentious Ritz-Carlton luxury safari camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lazizi Mara Limited, has formally responded to a legal petition seeking to halt its operations, stating it has followed all requisite legal and environmental procedures. The case, filed under Environment and Land Petition No. E003 of 2025, has intensified the national debate on the balance between high-end tourism investment and the preservation of Kenya's most critical wildlife habitats.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Lazizi Mara Limited confirmed it has submitted comprehensive documentation to the Environment and Land Court. This evidence includes correspondence with the Narok County government dating back to 2023, a formal lease agreement, and a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, which the company states includes proof of public participation. Furthermore, Lazizi Mara claims to have confirmations from both the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Narok County affirming that all due processes were observed.

The legal challenge is spearheaded by the Maasai Education, Research and Conservation Institute (MERC), led by veteran conservationist Meitamei Olol Dapash. The petition alleges that the safari camp, situated along the Sand River, obstructs a crucial corridor for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a globally significant ecological event. Conservationists and researchers argue that construction in this area is “highly ill-advised” and could have “large and long-term ecological implications” for a reserve where some wildlife populations have already declined significantly since the 1970s.

Balancing Conservation and Commerce

The dispute brings to the forefront the long-standing tensions over land use and development in the Maasai Mara. The ecosystem, a cornerstone of Kenya's tourism economy, has seen a surge in the number of lodges and camps, rising from 95 in 2012 to 175 in 2023, placing immense pressure on the environment. Critics of the Ritz-Carlton project argue it violates the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan for 2023-2032, which imposed a moratorium on new tourism accommodation to curb unsustainable development.

Lazizi Mara Limited and its supporters counter that the necessary approvals were secured before the moratorium took effect. Shivan Patel, Lazizi's managing director, has previously stated that an EIA established the site was not a primary wildlife crossing point and that all required permits were obtained. The developer also clarified its business structure, noting that it is the owner, developer, and operator of the camp. The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott brands are involved through a brand licensing agreement, and Lazizi Mara stated both international hotel groups conducted their own due diligence before partnering on the project.

Legal and Procedural Arguments

The petitioner, Mr. Dapash, has questioned the transparency of the approval process and called for the public release of all permits and environmental assessments. The lawsuit seeks to have the lodge demolished and the land restored, arguing that the development threatens a global heritage site. In its recent statement, Lazizi Mara Limited accused the petitioner of delaying court proceedings by failing to serve all the listed respondents in a timely manner.

The case underscores the complex regulatory environment for major investments in ecologically sensitive areas. Under Kenyan law, projects with potentially significant environmental effects must undergo a rigorous EIA process managed by NEMA, which includes public consultation. The Narok County government, as the custodian of the reserve, plays a crucial role in land leasing and development approvals, aiming to balance economic growth with its mandate to protect the region's natural resources.

As the court prepares to hear the substantive arguments, the case is being closely watched by investors, conservation bodies, and local communities. Its outcome could set a significant precedent for future tourism developments in the Maasai Mara and other protected areas across Kenya and East Africa. Lazizi Mara Limited has reiterated its respect for the judicial system and stated it will refrain from public debate on the matter while it remains before the court. The company expressed confidence in the legal process and its adherence to Kenyan law.