Green Belt Movement Calls Government Plans to Build Airport and Golf Course in Imenti Forest Thuggery Dressed Up as Progress

The Green Belt Movement has strongly opposed reported plans to establish an airport facility, State Lodge and golf course within Imenti Forest in Meru County, warning that the proposed developments could lead to the degradation of one of Kenya's critical forest ecosystems.

In a statement issued on Thursday, June 4, the environmental lobby accused senior government officials of advancing projects that threaten the future of the forest under the guise of economic development and investment promotion.

The movement recalled that it had previously objected to proposals for the construction of a State Lodge and golf course in the forest on September 18, 2025, arguing that such projects would undermine conservation efforts and set a dangerous precedent for the use of protected public forests.

According to the organization, its concerns have intensified following reports that the Principal Secretary for Forestry granted concurrence to the Chief Conservator of Forests on May 6, 2026, following a request linked to the proposed developments.

The request reportedly sought the issuance of a Special User License to facilitate the construction of a 17.5-kilometre Meru Bypass under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, a project financed by the World Bank's International Development Association.

The Green Belt Movement further cited reports indicating that the Principal Secretary for Forestry, Meru Governor and officials from the Kenya Forest Service recently toured Kambakia Forest, a section of Imenti Forest, in connection with the proposed projects.

While proponents of the developments have argued that they would unlock investment opportunities, boost tourism and accelerate economic growth in the region, the environmental group insists that the costs to the environment far outweigh any projected benefits.

“We are told these projects will unlock investment, boost tourism and accelerate economic growth. Yet the destruction of protected forests cannot be justified in the name of development,” the organization said.

The movement also raised concerns over recent amendments to Section 56(2) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act, which conservation groups have opposed for granting the Kenya Forest Service expanded authority to issue easements and wayleaves in public forests at the request of public utilities.

Environmental defenders fear the changes could open the door to increased encroachment on protected forests and weaken safeguards intended to preserve Kenya's natural resources.

“This is not development; it is thuggery dressed up as economic progress,” the Green Belt Movement said in its statement.

The organization emphasized that forests are national assets held in trust for present and future generations and should not be allocated or altered for political expediency or private interests.

It warned that continued encroachment on forest land could undermine climate resilience efforts, biodiversity conservation and water catchment protection, particularly at a time when Kenya is grappling with the effects of climate change.

The movement is now demanding full public disclosure of all plans related to the proposed developments in Imenti Forest and has called for the immediate suspension of any licensing, allocation or conversion of forest land associated with the projects.

It also urged government agencies to engage local communities, environmental experts and conservation stakeholders before making decisions that could have long-term ecological consequences.

The latest dispute sets the stage for a fresh confrontation between conservationists and government planners over the future of one of Meru County's most important forest ecosystems, with environmental groups vowing to resist any attempts to excise or develop protected forest land.