The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has unveiled a proposal to construct an airstrip inside Meru Forest Station in Meru County and is seeking public views before the project proceeds.
In a notice issued on July 7, KFS said the proposed airstrip and ancillary infrastructure will be developed at Kithoka Beat in Upper Imenti Forest to enhance aviation access for forest management, emergency response, and regional economic development.
“The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) proposes to construct an airstrip and ancillary infrastructure at Upper Imenti Forest (Meru Forest Station) to enhance aviation access for forest management, emergency response, and regional economic development,” wrote KFS.
KFS Deems Proposed Airstrip Location Suitable
According to KFS, preliminary site surveys and wind assessments found the proposed location suitable for the project. The planned airstrip and supporting infrastructure will occupy approximately 11 hectares.
“The Preliminary site surveys and wind assessment have found the proposed site as suitable for the proposed project. The proposed airstrip and ancillary infrastructure will occupy approximately 11 hectares. The project site is characterized by sparse vegetation cover and is therefore expected to cause minimal ecological disruption,” KFS stated.
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To address concerns about environmental degradation, the Service assured that the selected site is characterized by sparse vegetation cover and is therefore expected to result in minimal ecological disruption.
The proposed development will include a runway, apron, and other ancillary facilities required to support air operations.
In line with the Constitution and laws governing public participation, the agency has invited members of the public and other stakeholders to submit their comments, concerns, and recommendations on the proposed project.
Stakeholders can submit their written views to the County Forest Conservator’s Office in Meru Town or download the public participation questionnaire from the KFS website and submit it through the designated channels. The deadline for submissions is July 21.
KFS said comments received during the public participation process will help inform decisions on the proposed project, which it says is intended to strengthen forest protection efforts, improve emergency response capabilities, and support economic development in the region.
Court Earlier Suspension of Imenti Forest Development Plans
The latest proposal comes after the Environment and Land Court temporarily halted plans to construct a State House lodge, an airstrip, and a golf course within Imenti Forest following a legal challenge.
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In conservatory orders issued on June 23, Justice Oguttu Mboya directed that no excision, allocation, surveying, leasing, land clearing, construction, or any other activity be undertaken on any part of the forest until the petition before the court is heard and determined.
The court certified the matter as urgent and ordered parties to file their responses before scheduling the case for mention on June 30 for further directions.
Despite the court proceedings, President William Ruto has maintained that the proposed State Lodge in Meru is necessary, arguing that the county deserves the same presidential facilities available elsewhere in the country.
Speaking during the 60th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at Burieruri High School in Meru County on June 28, Ruto said the project was about ensuring fairness and equitable development across the country.
“I have the duty to walk and sleep in every part of this country. If there is a State Lodge in other parts of the country, why should there not be a State Lodge in Meru County?” Ruto said.
The President further defended the initiative, saying previous administrations had overlooked some regions and that his government was committed to correcting those disparities by investing in projects, including the proposed State Lodge in Meru.
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