State Department of Forestry Secretary George Tarus speaking on July 22, 2026 / Screengrab
State Department of Forestry Secretary George Tarus has confirmed that the government plans to construct an airstrip in Imenti Forest, saying the facility is intended to strengthen the country's capacity to respond to forest fires.
Tarus said the proposal is informed by scientific projections showing an increase in wildfire incidents, making it necessary for the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to enhance its emergency response infrastructure.
"Yeah, it is true. There are plans to establish an airstrip within Meru Forest. Part of that response is the proposed airstrip in Lower Imenti, which would serve that part of the country," he said during an interview at NTV on Wednesday.
He said Kenya has already begun installing surveillance infrastructure, including camera-equipped masts capable of detecting fires, but noted that rapid response remains a challenge without nearby aviation facilities.
According to him, the area is strategically located in a transition zone between wetter and drier regions that are increasingly vulnerable to wildfires.
Tarus cited a recent wildfire that destroyed nearly 1,000 acres in eastern Kenya as an example of the growing threat posed by climate change.
This comes amid concerns from conservationists over the environmental impact of establishing an airstrip inside or near a protected forest ecosystem.
Responding to concerns over the loss of tree cover, Tarus said no project of such magnitude can proceed without undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which must be independently reviewed by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
"I am aware that the Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken. NEMA, in its own wisdom, will guide what should happen next," he said.
He argued that similar aviation facilities already exist in privately owned conservancies and national parks, where they support conservation and emergency operations.
Tarus said relying on privately owned facilities would attract recurring landing fees and other operational costs.
"Instead of incurring those costs repeatedly, why not invest in our own infrastructure for posterity and save on landing charges and other related expenses?" he said.
Tarus clarified that the proposed airstrip is an internal KFS infrastructure project aimed at improving forest management and emergency response, rather than an easement or wayleave established for public utilities or private interests.
He said the project must still comply with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), which requires major developments to undergo environmental assessment before implementation.
In June, the Green Belt Movement (GBM) raised concerns over reports of proposed developments within sections of Meru's Imenti Forest, warning that the projects could have implications for one of the country's key water towers and forest ecosystems.
The environmental lobby said it had previously opposed proposals to establish a State Lodge and golf course within Imenti Forest, citing environmental concerns.
