Kenya Forest Service Launches Public Participation on Proposed Imenti Forest Airport and State Lodge

By Faith Owuor

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has launched a public participation exercise on a proposed project to construct an airport, a state lodge, and supporting infrastructure within Imenti Forest in Meru County the proposed airport and state lodge will proceed.

The consultations bring together local residents, government agencies, conservation groups, and other stakeholders to gather public views before a decision is made on the proposal. The project has sparked nationwide debate, with supporters citing its potential economic benefits, while environmentalists warn of possible damage to one of Kenya’s critical forest ecosystems.

Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi defended the public participation process, saying the government is seeking public input before making any final decision.

“We believe that, in time, this project will be allowed by the law, and that is why we are engaging the public to understand the importance of this development,” Mugambi said.

According to a public notice issued by KFS, the proposed airstrip and its associated infrastructure would occupy approximately 11 hectares within Imenti Forest.

“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 result in minimal ecological disruption,” the notice states.

Despite these assurances, the proposal has attracted criticism from environmental conservation groups, which argue that the development could threaten biodiversity, disrupt wildlife habitats, and undermine Kenya’s climate resilience efforts.

Responding to the proposal, Sherie Gakii, Communications and Storytelling Manager at Greenpeace Africa, questioned the justification for undertaking the project within a protected forest.

“Imenti Forest is not a new crisis. It is the same crisis, in a new location, with the same officials and the same tired excuses,” Gakii said.

She urged the government to prioritize the protection of Kenya’s forests, arguing that development should not come at the expense of critical ecosystems.

The proposal has generated mixed reactions across the country. Supporters say the new infrastructure could boost tourism, improve regional connectivity, and stimulate economic growth. Opponents, however, argue that alternative sites should be considered to avoid irreversible environmental damage.

Under Kenyan law, projects of this nature must undergo public participation and environmental impact assessment before implementation. Feedback collected during the ongoing consultations is expected to guide the government’s decision on whether the proposed airport and state lodge will proceed.