The Kenya Forest Service has found itself in a tricky spot after announcing a public participation meeting for the proposed airstrip in Imenti Forest, even as a court order remains firmly in place blocking any activity in the area.
The meeting, which is set to take place soon, is meant to explain the project details to locals and gather their views. But many are scratching their heads wondering how the forest agency can move forward with such plans when the courts have clearly said "stop" for now.
The proposed airstrip is no small project. It is expected to gobble up about 11 hectares of forest land in the Kithoka area, and this has not sat well with environmentalists and local residents who depend on the forest for their livelihoods.
Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi has tried to calm the growing storm, stating that the government is fully aware of the judicial process and will respect whatever decision the court eventually makes. His words, however, have done little to ease the tension as many feel the meeting itself is a way of jumping the gun.
The court order in question was issued after a petition was filed challenging the construction plans. The petitioners argued that such a project would cause irreparable damage to the forest ecosystem, which is already facing immense pressure from human activities.
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