Gov’t Vows To Continue With Imenti Forest Airstrip Despite Court Order
Gitonga Mugambi, the Forestry Principal Secretary, has defended the construction of an airfield inside the Imenti Forest in Meru County.
Despite a court injunction that has halted activities in the protected area, Mugambi assured the facility would be completed and running by Thursday next week.
Conservationists and local residents have sharply criticized the project, claiming that it jeopardizes one of the region’s most valuable environmental treasures.
It is one of three planned improvements in the forest, alongside a state lodge and a golf course.
The Meru Environment and Land Court recently issued interim conservatory orders barring the government from altering, clearing or constructing on any section of Imenti Forest pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi has defended the construction of an airstrip inside Imenti Forest.
He says the facility will be ready June 18 despite the project facing backlash and an existing court order.#NTVAtOne @gladys_midecha pic.twitter.com/7NKkYycipC— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) June 13, 2026
Despite the court directive, government machinery moved into the Kithoka section of the forest on Thursday, where mature trees were felled under heavy security as work on the airstrip continued.
Speaking in Meru, Mugambi maintained that the government was committed to delivering the project, describing it as a critical piece of infrastructure for the county.
“From the government side, there was nobody there who had an interest in putting the last signature,” the PS said.
“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.”
Impunity or madness? Imenti Forest sacrificed for a state lodge and and an airstrip
The government could soon find itself back in court over the ongoing construction of an airstrip inside Imenti Forest in Meru County.#NTVWeekendEdition @MichelleNgele_ pic.twitter.com/hclTC7MJew— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) June 13, 2026
He added that the developments planned within the forest would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
We are committed to delivering them. They come with big economic opportunities. State-run Jaron will employ more than 500 Meru people,” Mugambi said.
The Forestry PS further argued that Meru’s economic status justified the construction of the airstrip, saying the county lacked adequate aviation infrastructure despite being among the country’s leading economic centres.
“Remember, Meru County is fifth in terms of economy in this country, where you cannot land,” he said.
“We have no landings. You cannot land in Meru because we don’t have an airstrip.”
ALSO READ:
- US Deploys Military Personnel To Kenya For Ebola Facility Support
- Gov’t Vows To Continue With Imenti Forest Airstrip Despite Court Order
- Ruto Defends High NSSF Deductions, Claims Will Increase National Savings
- Israel Imposes Travel Bans on Kenya, THREE Other Countries Over Ebola Outbreak
- South Sudanese Businessman Abducted In Kenya Transported To, Held In Juba Military Base
According to Mugambi, construction of the airstrip is scheduled for completion by June 18, with the first aircraft expected to land on the same day.
The continued works have, however, intensified criticism from environmental groups and civil society organisations, which accuse the government of disregarding court orders and undermining environmental protections.
Activists argue that clearing sections of the forest could cause long-term ecological damage and set a precedent for development in protected areas.
Some local leaders and residents have also questioned the economic justification of the project, noting that the multi-billion-shilling Isiolo Airport is located a relatively short distance away.
Critics have argued that public resources would be better spent on operationalising the underutilised airport.
They urged the government to expand the existing Gaitu airstrip, or invest in local infrastructure such as healthcare, water and electricity services.
Gov’t Vows To Continue With Imenti Forest Airstrip Despite Court Order
