Government defends infrastructure clearing inside Imenti Forest

The government has defended the planned development inside a gazetted public forest, asserting that the establishment of a State Lodge and an adjacent runway will not cause significant ecological disruption to the area.

According to official statements, the infrastructure footprint covers a twenty-seven acre segment. This portion of the protected zone reportedly features sparse vegetation, which officials argue minimizes the overall environmental damage.

The multi-million project has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and local residents, who have moved to court to block the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) from permitting works in Meru County.

The Meru Environment and Land Court previously issued interim conservatory orders. These directives aimed to halt all structural activities, until a full hearing assesses compliance with constitutional demands.

Activists argue that the Upper Imenti canopy serves as a critical water catchment, but it also functions as a vital migratory corridor and seasonal nursery for hundreds of African elephants.

Despite these conservation concerns, state representatives maintain that the project remains essential, although they acknowledge the sensitivity of the surrounding natural habitat.

Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi previously indicated that an airstrip within the reserve would assist in conservation efforts, when he argued it would facilitate rapid response to forest fires.

However, civil society groups have rejected these claims. They point out that existing aviation facilities, such as Gaitu Airstrip and Isiolo International Airport, are located nearby.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has faced scrutiny over the status of the required Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the site.

President William Ruto has publicly supported the development. He insists that Meru deserves high-profile state infrastructure similar to other regions across the country, when addressing political critics.

Local communities remain divided over the potential economic benefits versus long-term ecological degradation. Some leaders argue the complex will attract business, but others fear the loss of public land.

The ongoing legal battle highlights broader friction regarding public land use in Kenya. Similar disputes have previously emerged over developments inside Karura Forest and the expansive Mau Forest Complex.

A recent amendment to the Forest Conservation and Management Act expanded powers to grant easements for public utilities, if requested by state corporations.

The High Court recently halted a planned public participation exercise scheduled by forestry officials. The judge noted that proceeding with the forum would directly undermine active conservatory orders.

Legal representatives for the petitioners allege that local communities received less than twenty-four hours of notice regarding the venue change, which rendered the participatory process legally flawed.

The case is scheduled for further mention later this month. The court expects all parties to submit their formal responses regarding the ecological status of the contested twenty-seven acres.

Meanwhile, satellite imagery has shown that ground clearing and tree felling began earlier this season under tight security, although local conservation groups continue to protest the deployment.

As the standoff intensifies, the future of the natural sanctuary hangs on judicial interpretation. The court must balance state-driven infrastructure goals against strict constitutional environmental protections.