Linturi Opposes Proposed Upper Imenti Airstrip, Raises Concerns Over Forest Conservation
According to Linturi, public resources should be directed toward maximizing the use of existing infrastructure rather than opening up protected forest land for new developments.
Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi. Photo/Courtesy.
By Kevin Chesum
A proposed airstrip project in Upper Imenti Forest has sparked renewed debate in Meru County, with former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi questioning the need for the development and warning against the environmental consequences of clearing parts of the protected forest.
Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, June 21, Linturi criticized plans to establish an airstrip within the forest, arguing that the region already has access to aviation infrastructure through Isiolo International Airport and other nearby facilities.
According to Linturi, public resources should be directed toward maximizing the use of existing infrastructure rather than opening up protected forest land for new developments.
“The governor is clueless. He comes and starts saying that the development that we are getting from the national government is an airstrip. That’s what we want, let’s cut down the forest,” Linturi said during the interview.
The former Cabinet Secretary expressed concern that the project could threaten one of the area’s important water catchment ecosystems, warning that the long-term environmental costs could outweigh any anticipated economic benefits.
“The forest is not just trees, it is a water source and a national heritage,” he added.
The controversy has emerged amid growing national discussions about balancing economic development with environmental conservation. Upper Imenti Forest forms part of the larger Mt. Kenya ecosystem, one of Kenya’s most important ecological zones and a critical source of water for communities, farms and industries across several counties.
Environmental experts have long warned that forest degradation in key catchment areas can have far-reaching consequences. According to studies conducted by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute and other environmental agencies, forests play a vital role in regulating rainfall patterns, preventing soil erosion, protecting biodiversity and sustaining river systems that support agriculture and domestic water supplies.
Kenya’s forest conservation efforts have gained increased attention in recent years as the country works toward maintaining and expanding its national tree cover. Government data indicates that forests contribute significantly to climate regulation, carbon sequestration and ecosystem stability, making them central to the country’s environmental sustainability agenda.
Supporters of the proposed airstrip, however, argue that improved transport infrastructure could unlock economic opportunities in Meru and neighbouring counties. Proponents say enhanced air connectivity has the potential to boost tourism, attract investment and facilitate faster movement of agricultural products to domestic and international markets.
Infrastructure development remains a key pillar of the national government’s economic agenda, with authorities emphasizing the importance of improving connectivity in various regions of the country.
Under Kenyan law, major development projects proposed in environmentally sensitive areas must undergo Environmental and Social Impact Assessments before approval. These assessments, overseen by the National Environment Management Authority, are intended to evaluate potential environmental effects and recommend mitigation measures where necessary.
Environmental advocates have called for transparency throughout the assessment process, insisting that local communities, conservation groups and technical experts should be fully consulted before any final decision is made.
The debate has sharply divided opinion among political leaders, conservationists and residents. While some view the project as a potential catalyst for economic growth, others believe preserving the integrity of Upper Imenti Forest should take precedence.
As consultations continue, stakeholders are expected to closely scrutinize environmental reports and government plans before a final determination is reached on the future of the proposed airstrip.
The outcome is likely to shape not only development policy in Meru County but also broader discussions about how Kenya balances infrastructure expansion with the protection of its critical natural resources.
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