The Kenya Forest Service has announced public participation for the controversial construction of an airstrip within Imenti Forest, despite an ongoing court battle challenging the whole process.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

KFS on Thursday, July 2, said it will hold a public participation meeting to explain the project and gather stakeholder and public views.

According to KFS, the meeting is intended to outline the importance of the proposed airstrip and engage residents before any further steps are taken.

The proposed airstrip is expected to occupy approximately 11 hectares of forest land in the Kithoka area of Imenti Forest.

📌 What You Need to Know

The announcement comes amid public backlash over the proposed project, which also includes the construction of a state lodge.

The project remains the subject of an ongoing court case after petitioners filed a petition seeking to halt its implementation, citing concerns about the planned development within the protected forest.

Amid the pending cases, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi said the government will respect the judicial process and abide by the court's eventual decision.

At the same time, he expressed his belief that the court will at some point grant permission for the construction of the airstrip.

"As of now, let's respect the process, which is a court process that is going on. Let's not talk so much about it, but we believe and we know for sure the project at some point will be redacted by the court, and they will go on," Mugambi said.

On Wednesday, June 24, the Environment and Land Court in Meru stopped the construction of a State House lodge, airstrip and golf course within the forest.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke