Isiolo Airport’s proximity raises questions over Meru Forest airstrip plan
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 22, 2026Debate over the proposed airstrip inside Upper Imenti Forest in Meru County has intensified after former Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi questioned why authorities are pushing a new facility when Isiolo International Airport lies nearby and is still underused.
Linturi made the remarks during a late-night television interview on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as controversy grows over tree cutting inside a protected water catchment area. His main argument focused on priorities, access, and the environmental cost of building new infrastructure inside Mt Kenya Forest.
He said leaders were ignoring existing infrastructure in favour of projects that risk damaging the forest ecosystem.
“The governor is clueless,” Linturi said. “He comes and starts saying that the development that we are getting from the national government is an airstrip. That’s what we want, let’s cut down the forest.”
He added that while he did not oppose an airstrip in principle, the location and priorities raised serious concerns.
“From where I sit, I have no problem with an airstrip being in Meru,” he said. “But the question I’m asking is, this is a forest being cut. From Kithoka to Isiolo Airport would take how many minutes?”
Linturi argued that Isiolo Airport is close enough to serve Meru residents if properly utilised and upgraded, questioning why the government would disturb forest land when an alternative already exists about 20 minutes away by road.
His comments come as environmentalists, opposition leaders, and some residents continue to challenge the airstrip project inside Imenti Forest, one of the key water towers in the Mt Kenya ecosystem.
Isiolo Airport proximity vs Meru airstrip debate
The distance between Meru and Isiolo has become a central issue in the dispute. Isiolo International Airport, which lies along the Meru–Isiolo corridor, already serves the region but has limited commercial activity.
Critics of the forest airstrip argue that instead of clearing indigenous forest, the government should invest in improving connectivity and operations at Isiolo Airport.
Linturi pointed to this gap in utilisation.
“From Kithoka to Isiolo Airport would take how many minutes?” he asked during the interview. His statement reflects a wider concern among some leaders that development planning in Meru does not fully consider existing regional infrastructure.
Linturi expanded his argument by pointing out that Meru County already has airstrips that have been in place for years but remain underdeveloped.
“Second, if we want it that much in Meru County, for years, we have had airstrips in Kaguma and Mitunguu. Why don’t you develop them?” he asked.
Supporters of the Meru airstrip project, however, argue that direct aviation access within Meru County would improve emergency response, investment, and tourism. Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi has previously defended the project, saying Meru remains one of Kenya’s strongest economies without a functional landing site.
He also linked the project to emergency medical needs, saying delays in evacuation have cost lives in the past.
However, critics say such arguments do not justify clearing forest land when nearby airports already exist.
Environmental groups, including those cited in court filings over the Imenti Forest case, warn that the forest supports rivers and springs that supply water to Meru and surrounding counties.
Heavy security has been deployed at Kithoka in Imenti Forest, where Kenya Forest Service officers guarded ongoing activity linked to the airstrip construction inside the protected ecosystem.
Forest conservation concerns and legal pressure
Opposition to the project has also come from political leaders and environmental campaigners who argue that development inside forests must be handled cautiously.
Former Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has been among the most vocal critics. Speaking during a church service in Meru on June 7, 2026, he warned against clearing forest land for executive infrastructure projects.
“Wachana na msitu,” Munya said, urging leaders to avoid destroying forest cover. He added that the forest plays a direct role in supporting water supply and the local economy.
Munya also pointed to worsening water shortages in Meru, saying rivers such as Kathita have reduced water levels due to environmental degradation.
“This town doesn’t have enough water as we speak,” he said.
The debate has escalated into a legal dispute. Court orders have reportedly restricted further excision of forest land, although reports indicate ongoing activity at sections of the forest near Kithoka.