A wave of protests erupted in Lamu Island as environmental activists under the Save Lamu organization took to the streets and waters to voice frustration over a delayed court ruling on the proposed Lamu coal power plant. The demonstrators, led by Save Lamu director Mohamed Athman, claim that the continuous postponement of the Environment and Land Court (ELC) ruling is a deliberate move by the government to push forward the controversial project.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans against coal power, the protesters marched through the historic streets of Lamu Old Town before boarding boats to continue their demonstration in the ocean symbolic of the deep ties between the community and the surrounding marine environment.
“We are agitating for safe methods of generating power in the country and the world. Harmful sources of energy like coal will destroy our habitats,” said Athman.
Echoing his concerns, activist Raya Famau criticized the government for pushing a project that contradicts global efforts to combat climate change. “We oppose the coal plant not only here in Lamu but across the country. Such projects are hazardous and worsen the already dire effects of climate change,” she said.
Abubakar Twalib, chairman of the Lamu Island Beach Management Unit, expressed concern about the impact on local fisheries. “Our fishermen have already been hit hard by climate change. The coal plant will further damage fish breeding grounds, reduce fish populations, and devastate our livelihoods,” he said.
First proposed in 2015, the coal plant was expected to generate 1,050 megawatts of electricity and lower energy costs in Kenya. The government completed an Environmental Impact Assessment and financial agreements between 2015 and 2016. However, strong opposition from environmentalists led to a 2019 court case, which resulted in the National Environment Tribunal revoking the plant’s environmental license.
Despite the victory for activists, the case has since stagnated at the ELC in Malindi, with ruling dates repeatedly postponed. Protesters now demand timely justice, fearing that continued delays could open the door for the coal project’s revival a move they argue would have devastating consequences for the region’s environment and communities.
