The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Forestry Principal Secretary George Tarus has confirmed that the government intends to construct an airstrip in Imenti Forest as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s ability to respond to forest fires.
Speaking during an interview on NTV on Wednesday, Tarus said the proposed facility is designed to improve emergency response as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires across the country.
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He explained that the planned airstrip in Lower Imenti would support rapid deployment of firefighting resources in the region and enhance the Kenya Forest Service’s (KFS) disaster response capabilities.
According to Tarus, Kenya has already begun installing surveillance systems, including camera-equipped towers that can detect fires early. However, he noted that responding quickly remains difficult without nearby aviation infrastructure.
He said the proposed site is located in a strategic area between wetter and drier regions, making it an important location for responding to forest fires.
The Principal Secretary pointed to a recent wildfire that destroyed nearly 1,000 acres in eastern Kenya as an indication of the growing threat posed by climate change.
The proposal has, however, attracted criticism from environmental conservation groups concerned about the potential impact of constructing an airstrip within or close to a protected forest ecosystem.
Addressing those concerns, Tarus said the project cannot proceed without first undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which must be reviewed and approved by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
He said an environmental assessment has already been conducted and that NEMA will determine the next course of action based on its findings.
Tarus also noted that similar aviation facilities already exist in several national parks and privately managed conservancies, where they are used to support conservation efforts and emergency operations.
He argued that constructing a government-owned airstrip would reduce operational expenses by eliminating the need to rely on privately owned facilities that charge landing fees and other costs.
The Forestry PS clarified that the proposed airstrip is an internal Kenya Forest Service infrastructure project intended solely to improve forest management and emergency response, and is not meant for public or private commercial use.
He added that the project will still be required to comply with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) before implementation.
The proposal comes after the Green Belt Movement (GBM) expressed concern in June over reported development plans within sections of Imenti Forest, warning that such projects could threaten one of Kenya’s key water towers and fragile forest ecosystems.
The environmental lobby group has previously opposed proposals to establish a State Lodge and a golf course within the forest, citing potential environmental impacts.
