This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
As the world grapples with the catastrophic climate crisis, Kenya's government is actively pursuing the development of coal-powered plants and mining, despite the devastating consequences for the country's future.
Kenya has been experiencing extreme weather events like floods and droughts over the past couple of years, and it is no mystery why this has been happening. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal has intensified climate change and the resultant extreme weather events.
Ironically, as the world is struggling to limit greenhouse emissions to halt the climate crisis, the Kenyan government is pushing forward with plans to build a 1,050MW Lamu Coal Power Plant in Lamu and establish a coal mining industry in Kitui.
Science cautions that an increase in global earth temperature by two degrees Celsius would have devastating consequences, including water scarcity, increased risks for food production, and higher malnutrition rates. Getting past two degrees Celsius would be disastrous, with sea-levels rising and irreversible loss of biodiversity.
Developing economies such as Kenya and many other African countries will be among the regions that will suffer, with disparities between the developed world and Africa becoming even more apparent.
However, there is hope. Communities in Kenya are standing up against the fossil fuel industries and government plans that are pro-fossil fuels. Students, religious leaders, community groups, women, and children are raising their voices and urging governments to consider the facts of a climate crisis and drop ambitions for fossil fuels.
Save Lamu, a small community organisation, has been leading the fight against the development of a coal-powered plant, while the Centre for Human Rights and Civil Education is leading the fight against coal mining in Kitui. Joined by various partners, these two community groups are leading a movement to 'deCOALonise' Kenya and save children's future.
Young people who are anxious about what their future looks like in a world that is failing to stall the climate crisis are organising and taking action. It is essential that we talk about the proposed Lamu coal power plant and the Kitui coal mining to safeguard the future of generations.
As Amos Wemanya, Greenpeace Africa Campaigner, notes, 'Abandoning ambitions for fossil fuels is necessary for survival. It is essential that mass movements emulate what communities in Lamu and Kitui are doing.'
