By Lyn Kendi
The Environment and Land Court in Meru has extended conservatory orders stopping the proposed construction of a State lodge, airstrip and golf course inside the ecologically sensitive Imenti Forest, keeping the controversial project on hold as legal challenges continue.
Justice Oguttu Mboya ruled on June 29 that the interim orders preserving the forest should remain in force pending further directions from the court.
The case was filed by five Meru residents who argue that the proposed development threatens one of the country’s most important indigenous forests and violates constitutional provisions on environmental protection.
The petitioners contend that clearing parts of the forest for a State lodge, airstrip and golf course could lead to irreversible ecological damage, including the destruction of wildlife habitat, loss of biodiversity and disruption of water catchment functions that support communities and ecosystems across the region.
They argue that Kenya’s Constitution obligates both the State and citizens to protect and conserve forests for present and future generations.
Environmental organisations have also opposed the project, warning that Imenti Forest plays a critical role in regulating local climate, protecting soils from erosion, conserving biodiversity and sustaining rivers that supply water to surrounding communities.
Conservationists say converting sections of the forest for infrastructure could weaken the resilience of the ecosystem at a time when climate change is already increasing pressure on Kenya’s forests.
The Green Belt Movement has previously demanded full disclosure of all plans affecting Imenti Forest and called for an immediate halt to any allocation, licensing or conversion of forest land, arguing that forests are public trust resources and should not be sacrificed for development projects without transparent public participation and rigorous environmental safeguards.
The court’s decision means no clearing, excision or construction related to the proposed State lodge project can proceed until the matter is heard and determined, preserving the forest while the legal dispute continues.
