UN urges Kenya to reassess impact of Lamu coal plant

The United Nations (UN) cultural organization, UNESCO, has officially called on the Kenyan Government to reassess the impact of the $2 billion coal power plant project on the heritage and natural environment of Lamu, one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in the region. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has recommended that the government carry out three major researches to assess the environmental and heritage impact of the Lamu coal plant project. This call for reassessment comes after recent court decisions aligned with concerns raised by environmentalists and activists. Samia Bwana, Board Member of deCOALonize, shed light on the situation in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. Bwana emphasized the significance of the environmental impact assessment, heritage impact assessment, and strategic environmental assessment of the Lamu Port-South Sudan transport corridor in understanding the potential consequences of the coal plant. UNESCO is closely monitoring these processes to ensure thorough evaluations are conducted. The government of Kenya now faces a critical decision on how to proceed with the project, considering the global attention and scrutiny it has attracted. Bwana pointed out that while African countries support sustainable development, there is growing opposition to projects like the Lamu coal plant due to environmental and economic concerns. The government's reaction to UNESCO's recommendation remains uncertain, as stakeholders weigh the social, environmental, and economic implications of the coal project. In Lamu, the project has divided opinions, with some locals supporting it for potential compensation benefits, while others in the fishing and tourism sectors oppose it due to environmental risks. The timeline set by UNESCO until February 2020 adds pressure on the government to make a decision that balances development goals with heritage conservation. Bwana expressed hope for the project's cancellation, emphasizing the high financial costs and environmental risks associated with the coal plant. She mentioned the need for policy reforms and investments in sustainable energy sources to prevent similar projects in the future. Kenya's focus on renewable energies, such as geothermal, solar, and wind power, highlights the country's commitment to green development. By shifting towards cleaner energy alternatives, Kenya aims to reduce reliance on coal and promote a more sustainable energy mix for future generations. The outcome of the Lamu coal plant project will not only impact the local environment and heritage site but also set a precedent for sustainable development initiatives in Kenya and beyond.