High Court Halts Construction of New State House Lodge and Airstrip in Meru Forest

The Environment and Land Court in Meru has issued conservatory orders halting construction of a new State House lodge, airstrip and golf course within Imenti Forest. Justice Oguttu Mboya directed that no activity including excision, allocation, surveying, clearing or construction should proceed pending full hearing of the petition.

The interim orders were issued on June 23 after the court certified the matter urgent. Respondents including government agencies have been restrained from interfering with any portion of the forest for the proposed facilities. The case returns to court on June 30 for further directions.

Petitioners argued that the development would interfere with the ecological and legal status of the protected Imenti Forest. The area forms part of Kenya’s important water catchment and biodiversity zones. Any excision would require strict environmental safeguards that petitioners claim were not followed.

The proposed project included a presidential lodge, supporting airstrip and golf course. Such infrastructure would involve significant earthworks, concrete foundations, access roads and utility installations within the forest boundary.

Imenti Forest has faced pressure from human activities over the years. Conservation groups have repeatedly warned against developments that reduce forest cover or disrupt wildlife corridors. The court order temporarily shields the area while the petition is determined.

The ruling comes amid broader national debates on balancing high-level government facilities with environmental protection. Similar projects have previously sparked legal challenges over public land use and impact assessments.

No construction activity can legally take place on the site until the court resolves the matter. This includes any preparatory work such as clearing vegetation or setting out boundaries. Violators risk contempt of court proceedings.

The petitioners seek a permanent injunction against the development. They want the forest preserved in its current state. The case highlights tensions between infrastructure needs for official use and legal requirements for forest protection.