THE GREEN BELT MOVEMENT AND JUSTACT WELCOME COURT DECISION HALTING PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN IMENTI FOREST
Nairobi, Kenya – 31 July 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) and JustAct welcome the decision of the Environment and Land Court in Meru to suspend the proposed construction of an airstrip, State Lodge, golf course and related developments within Imenti Forest pending the hearing and determination of the consolidated petitions before the Court.
The Court also directed that all five petitions challenging the proposed developments within Imenti Forest be consolidated into one matter. This includes Petition E02 of 2026, filed by The Green Belt Movement and JustAct. The consolidation is a significant step towards ensuring a comprehensive and efficient determination of the legal and constitutional issues raised by the proposed developments and reinforces the need for a consistent judicial approach to the protection of Kenya’s forests.
The Court’s decision is an important affirmation of the Constitution, the rule of law and every Kenyan’s right to a clean and healthy environment. It demonstrates that development projects affecting protected public forests must comply fully with constitutional and statutory requirements, including meaningful public participation, environmental safeguards and due process.
Imenti Forest is a nationally important ecosystem that provides critical ecological services, including water catchment protection, biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. Once destroyed, these natural systems cannot simply be recreated through engineering or infrastructure investments. Their protection is therefore a matter of national interest.
We reiterate that we are not opposed to development. Kenya requires infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves the lives of its people. However, development must be planned and implemented responsibly. It should never come at the expense of gazetted forests and other protected ecosystems when sustainable alternatives exist. True development balances economic progress with environmental stewardship and safeguards the natural resources upon which present and future generations depend.
The Court’s orders provide an opportunity for all parties to reflect on the importance of respecting environmental laws and ensuring that any proposed projects are subjected to rigorous legal and scientific scrutiny before implementation. Public institutions entrusted with the management of Kenya’s forests must exercise that responsibility in accordance with the Constitution and in the public interest.
We commend all citizens, conservation organisations and community members who continue to stand up for the protection of Kenya’s forests through lawful and peaceful means. Their commitment reinforces the principle that Kenya’s natural heritage belongs to all its people and must be managed sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations.
The Green Belt Movement and JustAct remain committed to pursuing Petition E02 and the consolidated proceedings to ensure that the Constitution, environmental laws and the principles of sustainable development are upheld. We will continue to advocate for development that respects Kenya’s forests, protects biodiversity and secures the environmental rights of present and future generations.
ENDS
For media inquiries:
The Green Belt Movement – Communications Department
Email: communications@greenbeltmovement.org
