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Sophia Karamuta, a fence attendant at Imenti Forest in Meru County. [File, Standard]
Kenya needs infrastructure. Roads, airstrips, public utilities and other investments can support development, improve access and strengthen public service delivery. But where such projects affect public forests and sensitive ecosystems, the question is not only whether development is needed. It is whether decisions are made lawfully, transparently and before irreversible actions are taken.
This is why the proposed airstrip in Upper Imenti Forest requires careful public attention. The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) invited members of the public and stakeholders to participate in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process for the proposed airstrip at Meru Forest Station, Kithoka Beat. The meeting was held yesterday at the Meru ASK Showground Pavilion.
On paper, this was an important step. Environmental assessment and public participation are central safeguards in environmental decision-making. They allow citizens, communities, experts, professional bodies and public institutions to examine whether a proposed project is necessary, lawful, appropriately located, environmentally sound and consistent with the wider public interest.
