Imenti Forest Airstrip to Be Ready Next Week Despite Court Orders, PS Says

Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi has defended the construction of an airstrip inside Imenti Forest in Meru County, insisting the facility will be completed and operational by Thursday next week despite a court order halting activities in the protected ecosystem. The Meru Environment and Land Court recently issued interim conservatory orders barring the government from altering, clearing or constructing on any section of Imenti Forest pending the hearing and determination of the case. Despite the court directive, government machinery moved into the Kithoka section of the forest on Thursday, where mature trees were felled under heavy security as work on the airstrip continued. Mugambi claimed the project would create employment and boost the economy, and that the county's first airstrip would be ready by June 18.