The government has opposed a petition seeking to block planned Airstrip construction in the Imenti area, asking the High Court in Meru to dismiss the case on grounds that it lacks evidence and does not meet the legal requirements for the orders being sought.
Through the Attorney General, the State argued that activist Francis Awino’s petition, which challenges plans for an airstrip, golf course, State Lodge, bypass and other developments, is without merit and should not prevent the proposed projects from moving forward. Awino moved to court claiming that the developments could interfere with the environment and result in the loss of protected forest land.
However, in submissions filed before the court, the government maintained that the petitioner had failed to prove that any constitutional rights or environmental laws had been breached.
The respondents asked the court to dismiss the application and reject the request for conservatory orders stopping the projects, saying the petition did not satisfy the legal standards required before such orders can be issued. They argued that the materials presented by the petitioner, including media reports and social media posts, did not amount to sufficient evidence to support the allegations.
The State told the court that the petition merely referred to constitutional and legal provisions but did not show any specific violation, damage or injury arising from the proposed developments. The government further disputed claims surrounding the forest land, stating that there is no officially recognized gazetted forest under the name “Imenti Forest” in Meru County. It also said there was no evidence that land had been set aside, transferred or approved for the construction of the projects mentioned in the petition.
According to the respondents, the proposed developments are still at the planning stage and the Kenya Forest Service has not received any formal request concerning their execution. The State also defended the proposed airstrip, saying it is part of efforts aimed at supporting conservation activities and improving the protection and management of forests within the county.
On the proposed Meru Bypass, the government informed the court that the matter is being handled through the appropriate legal channels after the Kenya National Highways Authority sought approval to upgrade an existing road. The respondents said the planned road improvement would follow the edge of the forest and would not interfere with the protected area.
The government assured the court that before any implementation begins, all responsible agencies will undertake the necessary statutory procedures, including environmental assessments and compliance with relevant laws.
It argued that stopping the proposed projects at this stage would go against public interest, as it would interfere with planned government initiatives.
The court has since directed the National Environment Management Authority and the National Land Commission to submit their responses to the petition within seven days.
