High Court Deals Fresh Blow to Ruto’s State Lodge Plans

NAIROBI, Kenya — The High Court has issued conservatory orders halting the planned construction of a State Lodge inside the protected Imenti Forest, dealing a significant setback to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s infrastructure plans.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the court ordered an immediate suspension of all activities related to the project pending the hearing and determination of consolidated constitutional petitions challenging its legality.

The court emphasized the urgency of preserving the ecosystem, noting that initial works had already commenced on the ground.

“The project has started, and restoring the status quo may not be possible if it proceeds,” the court observed, invoking the precautionary principle regarding potential environmental degradation.

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The judge further noted that refusing to grant the conservatory orders would risk locking the petitioners out of meaningful access to justice.

If the project were allowed to continue unchecked during the trial, any eventual legal victory by environmental stakeholders would be rendered meaningless due to irreversible damage to the forest reserve.

The petitions—filed by activist Francis Awino alongside environmental groups and local residents—challenge the project on grounds that it violates constitutional provisions guaranteeing environmental protection, public participation, fair administrative action, and public land management under Articles 10, 42, 62, and 69.

Critics have consistently raised concerns over excising parts of Upper Imenti Forest—a vital water catchment area and biodiversity hub within the Mount Kenya region—to construct the facility, which reportedly includes an adjacent airstrip and golf course.

With the conservatory orders now in full effect, the government is strictly barred from carrying out construction, surveying, or licensing activities at the disputed site. The consolidated cases have been scheduled for a full hearing on September 28, 2026.

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