German lesson: Why Kenya should be wary of coal mining pitfalls

Heavy machinery at the Jänschwalde coal mine in Germany.

Lost somewhere between the past and the future, Kenya can draw plenty of lessons for its energy needs from a small area in the state of Brandernburg in north-east Germany.

This, as the country gears up for commercialised coal mining in the Mui Basin in Kitui County and the setting up of a controversial nuclear power plant by 2036.