Residents Demand Inclusion in Multi-Million-Dollar Menengai Geothermal Project Plans

Residents in Nakuru’s Menengai are demanding inclusion in the multi-million-dollar Menengai geothermal project plans. The standoff between the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) and residents of Menengai in Nakuru County is becoming apparent. The tussle is over the acquisition of land for geothermal exploration threatens to derail the company’s operations in the region. Thousands of residents of Ol Rongai in Rongai have noted their fear of being evicted after the GDC revealed plans to acquire more land. The planned project is by GDC in collaboration with the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen).

The residents also note that the project will affect 16 villages across Menengai West and Kabazi wards, covering more than 53,000 acres. The announcement has sparked outrage among locals who fear mass displacement, loss of livelihoods and environmental degradation. Speaking during a community meeting at the African Inland Church (AIC) Tulwobmoi, the community coordinator Timothy Ngetich said the two organizations tend to conduct drilling operations. He also noted the problem is that they tend to do this without adequate consultation.

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The tussle between government and residents on the Menengai geothermal project is becoming more and more apparent. Mr Ngetich noted that, “as resident, we have lived in this area for many years and invested in our farms which we depend on for our livelihoods. We are shocked by the planned exploration. GDC and KenGen are yet to conduct proper public participation,” he said. Mr Ngetich said that the affected areas in Menengai West include Ol Rongai Locations 4A and 4B. It also include Kichwa A and B, Ol Rongai Center, Upper Ol Rongai, and Kwa Gitau Center.

Furthermore, Mlimani, Tulwobmoi, Kalyet and Amani villages will also be affected. However, GDC Deputy Manager for Corporate Communications and Marketing Eric Wamanji dismissed fears of eviction. “There is no looming displacement. The government cannot just displace people. There are procedures for land acquisition, where the rights of landowners are fully safeguarded,” he said. Furthermore, GDC has no mandate to acquire land as that is done by the National Land Commission (NLC). Wamanji noted that the community should not panic.