This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
Kenya's coal conundrum has been a contentious issue for years, with the proposed Lamu coal plant being a prime example. In June 2019, the National Environment Tribunal halted the project, citing lack of public participation and disregard for the Climate Change Act.
As an environmentalist, I was appalled by the plan to set up a coal plant in Lamu. Not only is coal destructive to the environment and its inhabitants, but it also poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of Kenyan citizens.
While the arguments for coal are well-known – it's abundant, relatively cheap, and can create jobs – its negative impact far outweighs any potential benefits. In Kenya, we lack the financial capability to build and maintain a coal plant, and the project would only serve to exacerbate our already-strained healthcare system.
Furthermore, our environment is already struggling to cope with the effects of pollution, and the addition of a coal plant would only serve to worsen the situation. The Nairobi River, for example, is already laden with pollutants, and the introduction of a coal plant would only serve to further degrade our environment.
It's ironic that Kenya is pursuing a coal goal, given our abundance of renewable energy resources. We're better off investing in solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal power, which not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
As the founder of Mazingira Safi Initiative, I believe that Kenya has no place for coal. The tribunal's decision to halt the project was a step in the right direction, but it's only a delay – not a cancellation. We must continue to push for a coal-free future, one that prioritizes the health and well-being of our citizens and the protection of our environment.
