Greenpeace report: “Assessing the air quality, toxic and health impacts of the Lamu coal-fired power plant” The proposed Lamu coal-fired power plant would be a major point source of air pollution in Kenya with potentially significant impacts on the surrounding communities and ecosystems. This case study provides a detailed analysis of the air quality and… Read More
threats
CASHING IN ON COAL: KENYA’S UNNECESSARY POWER PLANT
Samia Omar was born and raised in Lamu County, Kenya, a nature lover’s paradise at the uppermost corner of the country’s coastline, which borders Somalia. She attended college in the U.S. and Canada and traveled to northwest Kenya for work. But, she says, “I always knew I had to go back.” In 2015, Omar began… Read More
CS Environment, Prof Judi Wakhungu says Coal isn’t Clean
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Regional Development, Prof. Judi Wakhungu stated that coal isn’t clean contrary to previous government position and claims by the project proponents, Amu Power. Those arguing against environmentalists opposing the projects have always maintained that the project will use clean coal technologies which will keep the environment safe. However, Prof. Wakhungu’s position… Read More
Political economy of Lamu coal plant and why we don’t need it
“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence,” said John Adams, the second President of the United States. Do we need a 1,000MW coal power plant? Our installed electricity generating capacity is 2,325MW. This excludes 310MW… Read More
Coal plant hearing stalls for second time
Hearings on the controversial Lamu coal plant have failed to take off again after two members of the National Environment Tribunal failed to show up. Local conservation group Save Lamu has opposed the issuance of a licence by Nema for the Sh210 billion coal-based plant to be built in Lamu. This is the second time… Read More
Why I oppose the Coal Plant in Lamu (and everywhere else in the world)
Al Kags is a Goode Africa Professional, Open Data & Open Gov enthusiast. Over the last few days, I have come out and spoken strongly and publicly against the Coal plant in Lamu. I have enjoined myself with other like minded Kenyans who have used the hashtag #deCOALonize. I have engaged in rigorous debate on my… Read More
Is the Lamu coal power plant a poisoned chalice to the economy?
As the world shifts from coal-fired power plants in the race to shut down coal plants for less risky and safe natural gas, Kenya is on the journey to setting up one at the acclaimed world heritage site Manda Bay in Lamu. Government officials and private sector proponents say other than creating jobs for locals… Read More
Dear Mr President, the bell has tolled for coal project
President Uhuru Kenyatta returned from China’s “New Silk Road” summit with $3.7 billion loans to finance the standard gauge railway to Kisumu. This brings the Chinese loans for the project close to $9 billion, equal to the total foreign debt that he found when he took office. While in Beijing, the President also witnessed the… Read More
Why the Lamu coal plant doesn’t make sense
Kenyans pay high prices for electricity up to USD$0.19/kWh for residential customers compared to about US$0.10 in South Africa which is a barrier to the country’s sustainable economic development. The country is also expecting a steep rise in demand. To address this Kenya is modernising its electricity system and shifting away from costly diesel generators. Investments in new infrastructure are… Read More
KNCHR raises red flag on impact of Lamu mega projects
A government human rights watchdog has raised the red flag on the ongoing mega infrastructure projects in Lamu and wants MPs to intervene to protect local communities from “devastating effects”. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has petitioned the parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources to investigate complaints that the Sh2.25 trillion… Read More
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