Deal #10445

Kenya
Created at
2024-07-14
Last update
2024-12-12

Recognition status of community land tenure

Recognition status of community land tenure
Indigenous Peoples traditional or customary rights not recognized by government

Consultation of local community

Community consultation
Not consulted
Comment on consultation of local community
Lack of Genuine Consultation: Reports highlight that the project has faced protests from local communities due to inadequate consultation and compensation. Many community members feel that they were not properly informed or involved in the decision-making process regarding the project, which has led to social conflicts and legal challenges against it.

How did the community react?

Community reaction
Rejection
Comment on community reaction
Local communities have reacted strongly against the Lamu Wind Project, expressing significant opposition due to inadequate consultation and perceived violations of their rights. Many residents feel disenfranchised, as they were not properly informed or involved in the decision-making process. This dissatisfaction has led to legal challenges citing illegal land acquisition and a lack of adherence to consultation protocols. Community members argue that the project threatens their cultural and territorial rights, prompting organized resistance and increased mobilization for better engagement from developers and authorities.

Presence of land conflicts

Presence of land conflicts
Yes
Comment on presence of land conflicts
The project faced delays due to legal challenges from Cordison International, an American company, which accused Kenwind of fraudulently obtaining the land rights for the wind farm. The Lamu Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Kenwind, dismissing Cordison International’s claims and allowing the project to proceed.

Displacement of people

Comment on displacement of people
The project will require the displacement of 600 families, and Kenwind Holdings has committed to compensating these landowners before finalizing the land agreements.

Negative impacts for local communities

Negative impacts for local communities
Environmental degradation, Displacement
Comment on negative impacts for local communities
The project will require the displacement of farmers.It will affect local communities, with over 600 families expected to be displaced as a result of the project. However, these families will be compensated and relocated. The project has raised significant concerns regarding its potential effects on local ecosystems and biodiversity. Activists and community members worry that the construction and operation of the wind farm could disrupt local wildlife habitats and negatively impact fishing and agricultural activities, which are vital to the livelihoods of nearby residents.

Promised or received compensation

Promised compensation (e.g. for damages or resettlements)
Compensation has been promised to the communities affected by the Lamu Wind Project. Kenwind Holdings Limited, the company behind the project, has assured that those impacted by the construction will be compensated before finalizing land leases.
Received compensation (e.g. for damages or resettlements)
Based on the information from the sources, it appears that compensation for the communities affected by the Lamu Wind Project has not been adequately addressed.

Promised benefits for local communities

Promised benefits for local communities
Productive infrastructure (e.g. irrigation, tractors, machinery...), Community shares in the investment project, Other
Comment on promised benefits for local communities
Community Development Projects, Job Creation, Access to Electricity and Infrastructure Improvements.

Materialized benefits for local communities

Comment on materialized benefits for local communities
There is no specific information confirming whether the promised benefits of the Lamu Wind Project have been materialized for the affected communities.

Presence of organizations and actions taken (e.g. farmer organizations, NGOs, etc.)

Presence of organizations and actions taken (e.g. farmer organizations, NGOs, etc.)
Groups such as the Sarima Indigenous Peoples’ Land Forum and Save Lamu have been involved in providing legal support and representation for these communities.