Naivasha Farmers now head to court to stop geothermal project

NAIVASHA, KENYA: A group of farmers have now gone to court under a certificate of urgency seeking to stop the ongoing drilling of geothermal power in Longonot area of Naivasha.
The farmers are accusing Africa Geothermal International Limited (AGIL) of failing to engage them in the ongoing works.
In a petition filed by lawyer George Kimani at the Environmental and Land Court in Nakuru, the petitioners have expressed their fears that the multimillion projects could have adverse effects on their lives.
The farmers Boniface Njogu, Fredrick Okoth, Wilson Rutinu and Charles Wairegi note that the geothermal industrial emission could have effect on the rain water that they drink.
They note that there is already a stand-off and a possible social-political conflict due to the continued 'importation' of workers by the company from one community in Narok and Kajiado.
The petitioners argue that the social immigration of strangers into the area have direct impact on social disruptions and are straining public infrastructure.
"There is an urgent need by AGIL to facilitate the formation of a local management entity consisting of the petitioners and other local stakeholders," reads the petition in part.
They further argue that the planned exploration of geothermal power in Longonot will have drastic and irreversible effects on area residents.
The move comes barely a week after senior government officers led by the PS for energy Joseph Njoroge intervened after members of the Maasai and Kikuyu objected to the project.
It was agreed that the farmers and members of the pastoralists community will now elect their officials to pave way for the company to continue with its work.
The PS and Nakuru County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha Thuranira led other government officials in the area where it was agreed for joint elections.
The new officials once elected will now be a bridge between AGIL drilling company and the community where issues affecting both will be discussed.
The latest move also paves the way for the company to continue with its planned geothermal exploration as it seeks to add another 140mw to the National grid.
According to a local leader Charles Mburu, the current community representatives will cease holding office soon after the elections slated for Wednesday this week.
Mburu said they were willing to work with AGIL company noting that they had agreed to support its projects so that they are completed in due time.
"The County Commissioner has agreed to be the returning officer in these elections so that it is done fairly to reflect the will of the people."