- Leaders back Kithoka airstrip, saying it will boost tourism, create jobs and strengthen forest conservation.
- Environmental groups oppose the project, arguing it threatens the Mt. Kenya Forest ecosystem and are challenging it in court.
The Meru community has been urged to support the construction of the Kithoka airstrip, a project proponents claim will spur economic development and uplift local living standards.
Government officials, local politicians and the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders stated that the proposed infrastructure, located within the Kithoka Beat of the Upper Imenti Forest Reserve in North Imenti constituency, will serve as an economic driver by boosting local and foreign tourism revenue.
Speaking at the Gitooro showground during a tense public participation forum, leaders argued that the airstrip would also enhance regional security and environmental conservation by serving as a monitoring base to respond swiftly to emergencies like forest fires.
The delegation included Dr. Clement Ng’oriareng’, the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood, Municipality Ward MCA Caleb Mutethia, and Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders Secretary General Josphat Murangiri. Officials and legal counsel from the State Department for Forestry were also in attendance.
“The proposed Kithoka airstrip will occupy approximately 11 hectares (27 acres) of the forest. It will support local livelihoods by drawing revenue from tourism and supporting ecological facilities,” Ng’oriareng’ said.
“We tried various sites, but this location was found to be the most suitable following extensive surveys and wind assessments. Because the project site is characterized by sparse vegetation cover, we expect minimal ecological disruption,” he added, noting that the site would serve as an operational base for wider Mt. Kenya forest ecosystem surveillance.
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North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood called for calm among residents, emphasizing that public participation is legally intended to accommodate differing opinions rather than create hostility.
“We must operate in accordance with the Constitution. It is against the law to attack or intimidate anyone who holds a different view during a public participation exercise,” Dawood said, noting he had traveled back from Parliament specifically to attend the local forum.
Municipality MCA Caleb Mutethia vowed to defend the project, pointing out that it had been endorsed by Community Forest Associations (CFAs) during participatory forest management discussions in 2022.
“I have been a CFA member, and no one is going to lecture us on how to conserve our forests,” Mutethia stated.
Njuri Ncheke Secretary General Josphat Murangiri echoed these sentiments, affirming that the council of elders backs the government’s broader infrastructure plans for the area, which include the airstrip, a State Lodge, and a golf course.
“We are the custodians of Ameru culture and conservation. No one is grabbing forest land. We fully support these projects and disown anyone opposing them,” Murangiri said.
Despite strong backing from local leaders, the developments remain highly controversial and face intense pushback. Environmental groups and local petitioners have filed at least three separate lawsuits in the Environment and Land Court challenging the construction of the airstrip, State Lodge, and golf course within the protected ecosystem. Opponents argue the project threatens critical elephant maternity habitats and vital water catchments, pointing out that an alternative airfield—Gaitu Airstrip—already exists just 14 kilometres outside Meru town.
The forum follows recent statements from Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, who dismissed claims that the developments would destroy Mt. Kenya Forest, maintaining that the infrastructure will ultimately strengthen state surveillance and long-term conservation efforts.
By John Majau
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