Court Stops State Lodge, Airstrip and Golf Course in Imenti Forest
The Environment and Land Court in Meru has temporarily halted the construction of a proposed State Lodge, airstrip and golf course within Imenti Forest following a petition challenging the controversial project.
In a major victory for environmental conservationists and local residents, Justice Oguttu Mboya issued conservatory orders barring any activity related to the project until the case is heard and determined.
The orders effectively stop any excision, allocation, surveying, leasing, clearing, construction or development activities within the protected forest area.
Court Issues Conservatory Orders
According to court documents dated June 23, the matter was certified as urgent, prompting the court to issue interim orders preserving the status quo in Imenti Forest.
The court directed that no individual, government agency, contractor or institution acting under the authority of the respondents should interfere with the forest in any way for purposes related to the proposed developments.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of this Application, a temporary conservatory order and injunction shall be issued restraining the Respondents, whether by themselves, their servants, agents, employees, contractors or any other person acting under their authority, from exercising, allocating, alienating, surveying, leasing, licensing, clearing, constructing upon, developing or otherwise interfering with any portion of Imenti Forest for purposes of constructing or facilitating an airstrip, State Lodge, golf course or related facilities,” part of the court order stated.
The case is scheduled for mention on June 30 when the court will issue further directions.
Petitioners Challenge Forest Development
The petitioners moved to court seeking urgent intervention to stop any plans involving the protected forest.
They argue that the proposed developments would significantly interfere with the ecological integrity and legal protection status of Imenti Forest.
Environmental activists have maintained that forests play a critical role in water catchment conservation, biodiversity protection and climate regulation.
The petitioners contend that allowing construction within the forest would set a dangerous precedent for the management of protected public forests across the country.
Project Sparked Public Outrage
The proposed presidential development has generated widespread criticism and concern among residents of Meru County and environmental organisations.
Reports indicated that approximately 100 acres of the forest had been earmarked for the project, which would include a State Lodge, an airstrip and a golf course.
The controversy intensified after Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi announced that the airstrip would be completed and operational by June 18 despite previous court orders touching on the matter.
The statement drew sharp criticism from conservation groups and residents who questioned the legality of the project and its environmental implications.
Respondents Ordered to Produce Documents
The court has now directed the respondents to file all relevant documents concerning the proposed project within 14 days.
Among the documents required are approvals, Environmental Impact Assessment reports, licences, permits, maps, feasibility studies, public participation records, acreage surveys and agreements relating to the development.
The disclosure requirement is expected to shed more light on the project’s planning process and compliance with environmental laws.
The court also authorised the petitioners and experts appointed by the court to inspect the affected sections of Imenti Forest and prepare a status report.
Status Quo to Remain Until Case is Heard
Justice Mboya further directed that the current condition of Imenti Forest be preserved until the court reaches a final decision on the petition.
The order effectively halts any ongoing or future developments connected to the proposed presidential facilities.
Court documents show that the respondents in the case include the Meru County Government, the Kenya Forest Service and three other entities.
Green Belt Movement Opposes Project
Earlier this month, the Green Belt Movement publicly opposed the proposed developments after reports emerged that Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, Meru Governor and Kenya Forest Service officials had toured a section of the forest known as Kambakia Forest.
The environmental organisation warned that the project could have long-term consequences for forest conservation efforts in Kenya.
The movement also raised concerns over proposed amendments to Section 56(2) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act.
According to the organisation, the amendments would grant the Kenya Forest Service wider powers to approve the use of public forests for public utility projects.
Environmental groups fear such changes could weaken protections for gazetted forests and open the door for increased development within sensitive ecosystems.
Growing Debate Over Conservation and Development
The case has reignited national debate over balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.
While supporters of the project argue that it could boost regional development and government operations, critics insist that protected forests should remain untouched.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications for future government projects proposed within protected environmental areas across Kenya.
For now, all eyes remain on the court proceedings as conservationists and residents await the next hearing scheduled for June 30.