Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi has defended the government's decision to proceed with major infrastructure projects in public forests, including Imenti Forest, arguing that Kenya's economic development cannot be halted in the name of conservation.
The projects have faced legal challenges from environmentalists and conservation groups, who have raised concerns about their potential impact on forest ecosystems and biodiversity.
However, the government maintains that development and environmental conservation can be pursued together. The state says it is committed to balancing infrastructure development with efforts to protect and restore the country's forests.
The government has also highlighted the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme as part of its broader strategy to address environmental concerns and increase Kenya's forest cover.
The debate over development in public forests continues as environmental groups push for stronger protection of forest ecosystems, while the government maintains that strategic infrastructure projects are necessary to support economic growth and national development.
Source Attributed :Nation Newspaper