This archive report was first published on 20 December 2019.
The long-awaited Baharini Wind Power project in Lamu County is finally set to take off after a decade-long delay. The project, which will supply 90 megawatts of clean energy to the national grid, has been stalled due to disagreements over land acquisition.
According to Susan Nandwa, the project's director, the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) will be completed within four months, paving the way for the commencement of the project. The RAP process is expected to start in January next year and will address the compensation issues raised by locals.
The project, which has been delayed for eight years, has been opposed by locals who fear forceful eviction. However, Lamu County Commissioner Macharia Irungu has assured that the RAP will address the compensation issues raised by the locals.
The Baharini Wind Power project is owned by a consortium comprising Belgian firm Elicio Company and Kenya's Kenwind Holdings Limited. The project has received backing from area leadership, led by Lamu West MP Sternly Muthama, who has emphasized the need for fair compensation and adherence to set laws.
