Lamu has currently become a political agenda.  Not because of the insecurity issues affecting the country but because of the Amu Power Lamu coal power project as well. This is a good sign that the environment has reached the political debate, it being a political year. However, even if the environment is at stake, the economy of a country will be considered first in most cases if not all, more so in developing countries. Kenya is on the verge of achieving development in all areas, from roads to railways and power generation as we have invested in Geothermal, wind and solar energy. The environment is, however, facing the negative development surge from the government. Points to remember; ‘Nature does not forget’, ‘We are part of nature’, ‘We are part of the government’.

Kenya’s Power Sector

The United States of America will continue with their coal power plants despite arguments to shut them down like the United Kingdom and China has. The US has been a First world developed country, we would expect them to focus more on renewable energy. This move could encourage developing countries to consider coal as a source of power, especially with the advent of ‘clean coal’, which is purely a myth and not as safe as most people think it is.

“It’s easy to build a building, but it is hard to call the animals back.” – Jack Ma

In today’s guest post, Risper Asembo shares her views on why she does not support the Lamu Coal Power Plant Project and why we should all Save Lamu. Click here to read all her other posts.

The 1,050Mw coal plant project in Lamu has adverse impacts on the environment as well as social destruction to the indigenous people. It should be stopped immediately simply because Lamu, a historic old town, is recognised as a UNESCO heritage site. It’s so sad that the environment of Lamu is largely threatened by development. I cannot believe that the beaches, fishing economy and the unique architecture that Lamu has will be no more in the next few years just because those in power are overcome by greed.

Recently, it broke my heart to hear that a prominent politician recklessly said, “since Kenya has not reached the global Air pollution limit of 15% then the coal plant should be put up”, seconding his statement that when the 15% pollution is reached then such projects will be stopped. This only means that he is only interested in the project for his personal gain, whether politically or financially because he is in today’s government. What a shame to hear such sluggish statements from our leaders. It’s appalling because greed and politics does a lot of harm despite our leaders knowing the consequences of such projects at an environmental level and sometimes economic and social level, but they do not care about the future since other people (the future generation) will take care of the mess that is been created today.

A coal plant does not make sense for Kenya given the tremendous renewable potential that Kenya has. It is so shameful that a developing country like us is implementing such a dangerous project while the OPEC/Saudi Arabia and other countries are going solar. What an irony!

Coal is the wrong approach to generate electricity, especially in the 21^st century in not only Kenya but everywhere else in the world.

Furthermore, coal will not end poverty because coal is already a failing industry worldwide. It is simply a lousy financial investment. Renewable energy sources are so many in Kenya and it’s just absurd building a coal plant in Lamu, this will greatly engrave the tourism and fishing industry in the region.

Kenya, being part of the Paris Climate Change Agreement is therefore required to reduce the greenhouse emissions by expanding geothermal, wind and solar production. Coal is the single biggest contributor to climate change. Where are you NEMA?

It is saddening that the local people of Lamu that are to be impacted by the project have not received full information about the project.

The Save Lamu and deCOALonize Kenya from coal campaigns have tried their best to hold community meetings to create awareness ‘gaps’ among the local people and even the entire country. It is so appalling that public officials, especially the police, for opposing the project are continually harassing them. This is pure greed by those in power without considering the future environmental impacts to the locals and the future generation.

Coal is just a bad investment!!

Related: Advocating for Clean Energy

NB: Environmentalist have long been considered to ‘overdo’ environmentalism. If we consider the already scientific research done on ‘clean coal’ and the adverse effects it poses to the environment, then this is a project that should be well thought off before it is put up and the public well educated on the pros and cons of such a project. Environmentalists are not against development. There are always better alternatives.

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