Lamu assembly approves Sh20bn wind power project to be set up in Mpeketoni
A wind power farm in Kajiado. A similar project will soon come up in Lamu after the county assembly approved the construction of a Sh20 billion wind power project in Mpeketoni. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Kiunga Ward MCA Omar Lali said the project would provide employment to the youth in the region and put Lamu on the business map.
- The House also resolved that the corporate social responsibility agreement must be approved by the assembly with or without amendments.
- Mr Simon Kamau, a Baharini resident said he was happy with the passage of the motion.
- Nominated MCA Zahara Shee said the project would be the pride of Lamu.
The Lamu County Assembly has approved a proposed Sh20 billion wind power project to be set up at Baharini in Mpeketoni.
The project which is under a Belgium company Electrawinds in partnership with World Bank and Kenwind Company of Kenya is expected to generate about 90MW of electricity.
The motion was sponsored by Baharini Ward representative Anthony Njomo.
During debate on the motions, the MCAs expressed support for the project but insisted that it must fulfil all conditions required in law as well as take the interests of locals into consideration.
Kiunga Ward MCA Omar Lali said the project would provide employment to the youth in the region and put Lamu on the business map.
He asked the companies behind the project to ensure they give priority to the locals during employment.
Nominated MCA Husni Alawi said: “I support the project. We recently passed the coal plant project and demanded for a 30 per cent stake.
“We also ask the managers of the wind power project to ensure they give us a 30 per cent stake to remain in our county to benefit our people,” said Mr Husni.
PRIDE OF LAMU
Nominated MCA Zahara Shee said the project would be the pride of Lamu.
“This is a multibillion project. We should adopt it whole-heartedly. The economy of Lamu needs that.
“The county is open to all with productive ideas provided they benefit our people,” said Mrs Zahara.
The House also resolved that the corporate social responsibility agreement which is also referred to as the memorandum of understanding between the county Governor Issa Timamy, the local community and the Kenwind Company Holdings must be approved by the assembly with or without amendments.
Mkunumbi Ward MCA Paul Kimani said he supports the project but insisted that people who will be affected be fully resettled.
“As agreed in this House, the project can go ahead provided the resettlement plan and land allocation for the 1,000 residents of Baharini is done before the project commences,” said Mr Kimani.
Speaking to the Nation outside the assembly shortly after the motion was passed, Mr Simon Kamau, a Baharini resident said he was happy with the passage of the motion.
