A controversial airstrip being constructed inside Imenti Forest in Meru County will be completed and ready for use by next week despite an existing court order halting development activities in the protected ecosystem, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi has said.
The project, which forms part of a broader government plan that also includes the construction of a state lodge and a golf course within sections of the forest, has sparked intense opposition from environmental groups, civil society organisations, and some local residents who argue that the developments threaten one of Meru County’s most important natural habitats.
The dispute escalated after the Meru Environment and Land Court issued interim conservatory orders barring the government from altering, clearing, or undertaking any construction works within Imenti Forest pending the hearing and determination of a case challenging the projects.
However, reports from the site indicate that construction activities continued on Thursday in the Kithoka section of the forest, where heavy machinery moved in under tight security and mature trees were reportedly felled to pave the way for the airstrip.
Speaking during a public engagement in Meru, PS Mugambi defended the project and vowed that the government would see it through to completion.
“From the government side, there was nobody there who had an interest in putting the last signature. Today, one of you, and that is me standing in front of you, I have that opportunity to put that signature and deliver this project for the Meru people,” Mugambi said.
The Forestry PS argued that the planned developments would unlock major economic opportunities for residents, create jobs, and enhance the county’s attractiveness to investors and tourists.
“These works, we are committed to deliver them. They come with big economic opportunities. State-run Jaron will employ more than 500 Meru people,” he added.
Mugambi further maintained that Meru’s economic significance justified the need for an airstrip, claiming the county lacked sufficient aviation infrastructure despite being among Kenya’s leading economic hubs.
“Remember, Meru County is fifth in terms of economy in this country, where you cannot land. We have no landings. You cannot land in Meru because we don’t have an airstrip,” he said.
According to the PS, construction of the facility is expected to be completed by June 18, with the first aircraft scheduled to land on the same day.
His remarks are likely to fuel further controversy as critics accuse the government of disregarding judicial authority and undermining environmental protections by proceeding with works despite the court’s conservatory orders.
Environmental activists have warned that clearing portions of Imenti Forest could result in irreversible ecological damage, including the destruction of biodiversity, disruption of water catchment systems, and increased pressure on already threatened forest ecosystems.
They also argue that allowing development projects within protected forests could create a dangerous precedent that opens the door for similar activities in other conservation areas across the country.
Questions have also been raised over the economic rationale behind the airstrip project. Critics point out that the multi-billion-shilling Isiolo International Airport, constructed to serve the wider Upper Eastern region, remains significantly underutilised and is located within reasonable reach of Meru.
Others have suggested that public funds would be better spent expanding the existing Gaitu Airstrip or addressing pressing local challenges such as healthcare services, water supply, road infrastructure, and electricity connectivity.
The case is expected to return to court in the coming weeks, where judges will determine whether the disputed projects can proceed or whether they violate environmental laws and constitutional protections safeguarding public forests.
For now, the future of the developments remains at the centre of a growing confrontation between government officials determined to push ahead with the projects and conservationists seeking to preserve one of Meru’s most treasured natural resources.
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