By DMS
Conservationists have intensified opposition to the ongoing construction of an airstrip inside the Upper Imenti Forest Reserve, warning that the project threatens a critical water catchment, wildlife habitat and years of costly forest restoration efforts.
In a statement, Mount Kenya Trust (MKT) condemned the destruction of part of the forest, saying the project was approved and undertaken without public participation, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or the necessary licences, contrary to constitutional and environmental protection laws. The trust argued that the development violates Articles 42, 69 and 70 of the Constitution and provisions of the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.
The controversy has sparked a growing backlash from environmental organisations, including Rhino Ark, the Green Belt Movement and Greenpeace Africa, all of which have called for an immediate halt to the project pending compliance with environmental regulations. Conservation groups say the airstrip is being constructed without a NEMA licence or an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
MKT said it has invested more than Sh140 million in conservation initiatives in the Imenti region over the past nine years, including Sh69 million for the restoration of 522 hectares of forest, Sh30 million for human-wildlife conflict mitigation infrastructure and Sh40 million in ranger operations supporting the Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Wildlife Service.
The trust warned that the loss of forest cover could undermine Kenya’s commitments to increase national tree cover, restore degraded landscapes and protect biodiversity. It noted that Imenti Forest forms part of the larger Mount Kenya ecosystem, a vital water tower supporting agriculture, livelihoods and water security for hundreds of thousands of people downstream.
Environmentalists are also concerned about the impact on wildlife, particularly elephants that depend on the forest as a refuge and migration corridor. Conservation groups say the area hosts one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the Mount Kenya ecosystem during dry seasons and serves as an important maternity zone.
The dispute comes as the government defends the project as a catalyst for economic development in Meru County. However, critics argue that any short-term economic benefits are outweighed by the long-term environmental costs. A court has already issued interim orders halting further alterations and construction in the forest pending determination of a petition challenging the project.
“We stand with those defending the protection of Imenti Forest and all protected areas for future generations,” MKT said.
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