KFS announces public participation on disputed Imenti Forest airstrip
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has announced plans to hold a public participation meeting on the proposed construction of an airstrip in Imenti Forest, even as the project remains the subject of an ongoing court case.
The agency says the meeting will give stakeholders and members of the public an opportunity to learn more about the proposed development and share their views before the project progresses further.
According to KFS, the session is aimed at explaining the significance of the proposed airstrip while engaging residents on the planned development.
The announcement comes as opposition to the project continues to grow, with concerns also being raised over the proposed construction of a State lodge within Imenti Forest.
Speaking on the matter, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi maintained that the government would respect the legal process but expressed confidence in the project’s future.
“As of now, the matter is before the courts, so we cannot comment much on it. However, we are confident the project will eventually be vindicated by the courts.”
According to KFS, the proposed airstrip would cover about 11 hectares of forest land in the Kithoka area of Imenti Forest.
The agency says it will comply with whatever decision the court reaches while remaining optimistic that the development will ultimately receive approval.
“These are normal challenges that we encounter in many projects. We are confident the courts will give us the green light, and we will abide by the law.”
The proposed developments have already attracted legal action, with three separate petitions filed seeking to halt their implementation over concerns about construction inside the protected forest.
The three petitions are scheduled to be heard on July 21, when the court is expected to consider arguments from all parties before determining the next steps for the contested project.
Other News: New Bill could jail public officers for sharing State secrets on WhatsApp, private emails
