The Environment and Land Court in Meru has issued interim conservatory orders temporarily stopping any activities linked to a proposed development project in Imenti Forest, including the construction of an airstrip, state lodge, golf course and related facilities.
In a ruling delivered on June 23, 2026, Justice Oguttu Mboya certified as urgent a petition filed by Mugambi Imanyara, Charles Mutuma Mbogori and three others against the County Government of Meru, the Kenya Forest Service and other respondents.
The court directed that the application be heard on a priority basis and ordered the respondents to file their responses within five days of being served. The matter is scheduled for mention on June 30, 2026, for directions on the expedited hearing and determination of the case.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of this Application, a temporary conservatory order and injunction shall be issued restraining the Respondents, whether by themselves, their servants, agents, employees, contractors or any other person acting under their authority, from exercising, allocating, alienating, surveying, leasing, licensing, clearing, constructing upon, developing or otherwise interfering with any portion of Imenti Forest for purposes of constructing or facilitating an airstrip, State Lodge, golf course or related facilities,” the orders stated.
Pending the hearing, the court granted an interim conservatory order sought by the petitioners, effectively suspending any actions connected to the proposed project.
According to the application before the court, the petitioners are seeking orders restraining the respondents from excising, allocating, leasing, licensing, clearing, surveying, constructing on, developing or otherwise interfering with any portion of Imenti Forest for purposes of facilitating the proposed development.
The petitioners also want the court to suspend any approvals, licences, permits, agreements, procurement processes or administrative actions relating to the proposed excision and development of the forest.
Further, they are seeking preservation of the forest’s ecological condition and legal status, disclosure of all project-related documents including environmental impact assessment reports and feasibility studies, and authorization for an inspection of the affected areas by parties and court-appointed experts.
Justice Mboya noted that the interim orders were granted after considering constitutional provisions on environmental protection and public land, as well as the potential consequences of the intended project.
