Weeks after the government began construction of an airstrip in the Imenti Forest, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has called for public participation in the project.
In a letter seen by the Nation , addressed to various leaders by Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, the meeting is part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process.
"You have been identified as a key stakeholder in the ESIA process and therefore wish to invite you for a public participation forum that has been scheduled for Wednesday 8th of July, 2026 at 8.30am at the Meru National Polytechnic in Meru town." Mr Lemarkoko states.
The meeting follows the Environment and Land Court's issuance of three court orders barring the excision of the Imenti Forest for the construction of an airstrip, a state lodge, and a golf course.
On Tuesday, Justice Oguttu Mboya extended the conservatory orders until July 21, when four petitions filed by different groups will be heard.
According to Mr Lemarkoko, the airstrip will be built on 27.2 acres of land at Kithoka in the Imenti Forest "to enhance aviation access for forest management, emergency response and regional economic development".
Earlier, the Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr Gitonga Mugambi, had claimed that the airstrip would occupy only eight acres.
A cleared section of Imenti forest in Meru County where construction work is ongoing for the proposed construction of an airstrip.
Photo credit: Pool
Mr Lemarkoko said that preliminary site surveys and wind assessments had confirmed the suitability of the proposed site for the project.
"The project site is characterised by sparse vegetation cover and is therefore expected to result in minimal ecological disruption,” he stated, adding that "all possible measures will be taken into consideration to keep the project within the legal and public interest framework."
The public participation forum took place even though witnesses and satellite imagery had already proven that earthworks had begun at the proposed airstrip site.
Mr Mugambi had previously stated that the airstrip would be ready by July 18, suggesting that the ESIA was being conducted as an afterthought.
Petitioners who oppose the project have questioned the legality of annexing forestland for the three projects.
"Environmental Impact Assessment reports, feasibility studies, approvals, maps, acreage surveys and other statutory documents relating to the project are required. The proposed development threatens to cause irreversible environmental degradation and destruction of forest resources,” states one of the court petitions.
