Parliament Defends Forest Law in Imenti Lodge Battle

Parliament has joined the legal defence of a contested amendment to forest laws. The changes allow public utilities and infrastructure inside protected forests.

The National Assembly made submissions in the Environment and Land Court. The case centres on proposed developments in Imenti Forest, Meru County. These include a State Lodge, airstrip and related projects.

Activist Francis Awino petitioned against Section 56(2) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act. He argues it undermines constitutional safeguards for forests.

Parliament maintains the amendment supports essential public infrastructure. It covers roads, utilities and other national projects. Lawmakers say the petition remains speculative since no final decisions have been made.

Speaker Moses Wetangula’s office submitted that no evidence shows forest land has been excised or allocated. The proposed projects remain under consideration. Conservatory orders would hinder critical development, they argue.

The National Assembly also criticised reliance on media reports and social media. Petitioners should use official channels for information, it said.

Meru County Government joined in opposing the application. It claims no mandate over gazetted forests, which fall under national government.

Awino’s side maintains the case rests on official records showing evaluations for the projects. Courts should act preventively before irreversible damage occurs, they argue.

The dispute reflects wider tensions. Infrastructure needs clash with conservation priorities in several forests. Imenti has seen previous court interventions over similar plans.

Public participation and environmental impact assessments will likely feature in arguments. The case continues in court.

Forestry officials earlier stressed the need to balance development and conservation. Economic growth and job creation cannot stop entirely for environmental reasons, they said.

Imenti Forest holds ecological importance. It supports biodiversity and local livelihoods. Any developments will face close scrutiny from activists and the judiciary.