Green Belt Movement opposes plan to build airstrip, golf course and state lodge in Imenti Forest

The Green Belt Movement has called for the immediate suspension of plans to develop an airstrip, golf course and State Lodge in Imenti Forest, warning that the projects could threaten one of Kenya’s key water towers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as growing efforts to open up protected forest land for major construction projects. It said the developments appear to confirm fears it raised in 2025 about plans affecting the forest.

“The Green Belt Movement is deeply alarmed and outraged by reports that senior government officials are actively pursuing plans that could result in the destruction of parts of Imenti Forest, one of Kenya’s most important water towers and ecological treasures, to pave the way for the construction of an airstrip, a golf course and a State Lodge,” the organisation said.

The group recalled that it had opposed similar proposals on September 18, 2025, and said recent developments suggest those plans may now be moving forward.

“We have learnt that on 6th May 2026, the Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, issued concurrence to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Alexander Lemarkoko, following a request contained in letter Ref. No. LIC/1/KFS/VOL.XXXV/13 dated 6th May 2026. The request sought the issuance of a Special User Licence to facilitate the construction of 17.5 kilometres of the Meru Bypass under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association. The project proposes the excision and use of 2.75 hectares of Imenti Forest,” the organisation said.

While the request is presented as a road infrastructure project, the Green Belt Movement said it believes a broader agenda is emerging.

“While this was presented as a road infrastructure project, recent developments have exposed a far more troubling agenda. The Green Belt Movement has noted reports and public accounts showing the Principal Secretary for Forestry, the Governor of Meru County, Mr Mutuma M’Ethingia, and officials from the Kenya Forest Service touring Kambakia Forest, a section of Imenti Forest, allegedly to identify sites for a proposed airstrip, golf course, and state lodge.”

The organisation questioned the justification for the projects, saying similar arguments have been used in the past.

“The justification being advanced is familiar. We are told these projects will unlock investment, boost tourism and accelerate economic growth. Kenyans have heard these promises before. We heard them when forests were allocated to politically connected individuals. We heard them when public land was grabbed. We heard them whenever short-term commercial interests were placed above environmental protection and public interest,” it said.

“Forests are not vacant land waiting for powerful people to dream up luxury projects. Forests are living ecosystems. They are water catchments. They are biodiversity reservoirs. They are climate shields. They belong to present and future generations of Kenyans.”

The group also warned of what it described as a troubling pattern linked to recent changes in forest management laws.

“The Green Belt Movement sees a disturbing and deliberate pattern emerging. The recent amendment to Section 56(2) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act was fiercely opposed by environmental defenders because it granted the Kenya Forest Service expanded authority to issue easements and wayleaves in public forests under the guise of public utilities,” the statement reads.

It said concerns raised during the amendment process now appear to be materialising.

“We warned that such powers could easily become a backdoor through which protected forests would be opened up to commercial and political interests. Contrary to Article 62 of the Constitution, which classifies public forests as public land and vests responsibility for their protection and oversight in the National Land Commission (NLC), the proposed actions undermine the constitutional safeguards intended to preserve these critical public resources. What is now unfolding in Imenti Forest appears to validate those concerns,” it said.

The organisation further questioned whether the proposed projects serve any conservation purpose.

“Kenyans must ask themselves a simple question. How does an airstrip qualify as forest conservation? How does a golf course protect water catchments? How does a State Lodge restore degraded ecosystems? These projects are not necessary. They are luxuries. They are symbols of privilege. They have no place in a protected public forest.”

The Green Belt Movement said the developments amount to a misuse of conservation areas and reminded public officials that forests are held in trust for the public.

“Any attempt to alienate, excise, privatise or change the use of forest land must be subjected to the strictest constitutional and legal scrutiny, including full public participation, environmental impact assessment and compliance with all applicable laws,” it said.

The organisation also urged international partners supporting the Meru Bypass project to exercise caution.

“We also call upon the World Bank and all development partners associated with the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project to exercise the highest level of due diligence and ensure that their financing is not used directly or indirectly to facilitate the destruction, fragmentation or degradation of protected forest ecosystems,” the group said.

The movement referenced the legacy of environmental activist Wangari Maathai, saying her work remains highly relevant in the current circumstances.

It demanded greater transparency and immediate action to halt any ongoing processes related to the proposed developments.

The organisation also called on Parliament, the National Land Commission, environmental regulators, civil society organisations and all Kenyans of goodwill to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to undermine the integrity of public forests.

It added that it would continue opposing any move it believes threatens Imenti Forest.