Kenya is currently in the middle of a heavy debate about the proposed 1050 megawatt coal power plant in Lamu. This plant will cost us 2 billion dollars, which is about 202 billion Kenya Shillings. We also seek to start the mining of coal at the Mui Basin in Kitui, where Africa’s largest coal reserves are located. This has been met with much protest, due to the harmful effects of coal to people and the environment.

We are joined by Omar Elmawi, a coordinator of the #deCOALonize movement, to talk about why we must resist the setup of this power plant, as well as the green energy alternatives available to Kenya. Press play!

Resources

#deCOALonize on Twitter

Blow for residents, activists in bid to stop Sh200bn coal plant

GE buys Sh40bn stake in Lamu coal plant

Why the Lamu coal plant doesn’t make sense. Kenya has better energy options

Kenya plans to cut Lamu coal power plant capacity by half

Geothermal Energy in Kenya

Geothermal Energy Grows in Kenya

Lake Turkana Wind Power

Kenya is building Africa’s biggest wind energy farm to generate a fifth of its power

The case for renewable energy

Kenya To Build East & Central Africa’s Largest Solar-Power Plant In Garissa

Image Credit: Quartz Africa