Conservationist moves to withdraw case seeking to shut safari camp in Maasai Mara

An environmental conservationist, Dr Joel Meitamei Olol Dapash, now wants to withdraw case he filed at the Environment and Land Court in Narok seeking to halt the operations of a newly established safari camp within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

In the notice of withdrawal, Dr. Dapash says that he wishes to withdraw the entire suit with no orders as to cost.

“Take notice that the petitioner herein wishes to withdraw the entire suit instituted by way of petition dated 8th August 2025 with no orders as to cost,” reads the notice of motion filed in court.

In his case, Dapash sued the Narok County Government, the National Environment Management Authority, and three others, challenging the legality and environmental compliance of the camp’s development.

In his application, Dr Dapash had questioned the timeline and approval process for the safari camp’s construction.

Dapash wanted the court to issue orders restraining the opening and operation of the safari facility, citing that it poses serious threats and undermines the rights of Indigenous communities