By Eddah Waithaka
Lazizi Mara Limited broke its silence today on the ongoing legal challenge against its flagship Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp, asserting it has provided the court with comprehensive evidence proving it followed all due process.
The company, which is developing and will operate the high-profile camp, issued a statement to counter public speculation and confirm that the matter is now in active litigation.
In a firm declaration, Lazizi Mara stated it has already submitted a trove of documents to the court in response to the petition, officially filed as Environment and Land Petition No. E003 of 2025.
The evidence includes the complete lease application correspondence with Narok County dating to 2023, the official approval letter, the signed lease, and the full Environmental Impact Assessment report complete with proof of public participation.
The company also presented letters from both the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Narok County Government addressed to the petitioner, which confirm Lazizi Mara’s compliance with all regulatory requirements.
“We are allowing the court process to proceed without engaging in further public debate,” said Shivan Patel, Managing Director of Lazizi Mara Limited. “We remain fully confident in the judicial system.”
The statement also highlighted a significant procedural delay, noting that the petitioner has yet to formally serve all parties named in the lawsuit since filing it in August.
This delay, the company implies, is unnecessarily prolonging the legal process.In a strong show of support, Lazizi Mara confirmed that both The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott brands conducted independent, in-depth due diligence before granting the brand license and continue to stand by the company as the case unfolds.
Lazizi Mara Limited, a Kenyan-owned company with over 14 years in the hospitality sector, is developing the camp.
The company clarified that The Ritz-Carlton is the brand partner, not the owner or operator of the facility.
“Lazizi Mara Limited remains confident in the judicial process and will continue to comply fully with all legal requirements,” Patel concluded.
For case details, refer to the Environment and Land Court records: ENVIRONMENT AND LAND PETITION NO. E003 OF 2025.
