Kenyan voices against Lamu coal project
“On several occasions, we have pointed out that this project contradicts the country’s mitigation efforts towards the 2015 Agreement to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030” said Samuel Muoria, Ecopro Initiative.
“We totally reject the Lamu coal project alongside false solutions like REDD (Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) , biofuels or the so-called clean coal which are unrealistic and aggravate the destruction of nature. Instead, we advocate for renewable energy initiatives led and managed by local communities” Wahlid Ahmed.
“Despite the challenges we face as activists opposing the coal-fired plant, we are determined to double our efforts, raise our voices in Kenya as well as internationally. We will continue to pressure the government to halt the construction of the coal plant. Investing in viable energy projects is the solution that will allow our communities to live in a healthy environment powered by renewable energy” Prince Papa, Kenyan climate activist 350.org.
“There is no such thing as clean coal. Coal is dirty energy. We strongly campaign against any plans to build a coal plant in Lamu and every else on the continent. We have seen the degree of damages induced by coal on communities and the environment in countries such as South Africa. We are convinced that we have to keep coal and all forms of fossil fuels in ground” Landry Ninteretse, 350.org Africa.
“As community members and residents, it’s our primary responsibility to bring together our collective efforts that boldly oppose the coal project. We will be at the forefront of coal impacts, not the officials in Nairobi nor the investors based in foreign land.” Omar Elmawi, National liaison officer- Save Lamu.
“There is no doubt that a project of this scale and scope, in an area as remote and protected as Lamu, will have profound negative impacts on the heritage” said a 2015 report on the area from Unesco’s World Heritage Committee.
“With this project, residents of Lamu will suffer not only from the consequences related to health and water, but also their incomes and well-being in general will be affected. Many of them are highly dependent on fishing and local tourism as the major livelihood strategies” said Lamu community Elder, Mohamed Mbwana.
“Our land is our life. Our land is not for sale. We reject the land grabbing behind the Lamu coal-fired power plant and denounce the irregularities contained in the incomplete Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) that has failed to properly resettle or compensate the affected communities” Louisa Chinyavu, local organizer, 350 Kenya.
In order to meet the targets in the Paris Agreement and save the planet from climate devastation, immediately halt new coal, oil and gas development and finance a just transition towards a 100% renewable energy future for all.
