October 16, 2018 www.mygov.go.ke NEWSFOCUS | 25 Power firm assures Lamu families of compensation 3,206 acres of land in Baharini area of Mpeketoni has been earmarked for the wind power project operated by Kenwind Power BY AMENYA OCHIENG LAMU-KNA A wind power generation company has dismissed claims being peddled by a section of local leaders in Lamu county that it plans to swindle over 600 farmers awaiting compensation for land following project delays. The 3,206-acre piece of land in Baharini area of Mpeketoni has been earmarked for the wind power project operated by Kenwind Power that is expected to generate 90 megawatts of electricity upon completion. The power project will be funded under the auspices of the Baharini Wind Power Project, a consortium of Elicio, a Belgium company working with a Kenyan entity, Kenwind Holdings Limited. Kenwind Power Project coordinator Susan Nandwa spoke to KNA on phone following a series of acrimonious meetings held recently between the energy company, Baharini area locals and a section of leaders where those affected demanded immediate compensation. Nandwa further denied allegations that she was acquiring land illegally in a bid to avoid compensating the locals affected saying that the claims are unsubstantiated citing Kenwind Energy’s adherence to transparency since the project was conceptualised. “Kenwind was vindicated by a High Court ruling earlier this year in May when it was found that we meet all the requirements necessary to set up wind energy project in Baharini,” Nandwa added. There are fears that a section of local leaders have resorted to politicising the Sh21 billion Kenwind was vindicated by a High Court ruling earlier this year in May when it was found that we meet all the requirements necessary to set up wind energy project in Baharini - Susan Nandwa wind power project. This is despite the project having the support of both the land owners, Ministry of Energy, Lamu County government and the County Assembly. She revealed that the current hold up in compensation was due to the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) that the energy company had been formulating in conjunction with the national and county governments for the 600 farmers and their families. She assured the farmers that once the RAP process in which a team of government and independent valuers will carry out the process is over those affected will be compensated fairly. The process begins on October 20. The same sentiments were echoed by Lamu County commissioner Joseph Kanyiri who warned Lamu residents and politicians against politicising the compensation and resettlement of the people who will be affected by the wind power project in Mpeketoni during the ongoing mapping process to establish the area and boundaries of the project area. Kanyiri who also spoke to KNA in an exclusive interview assured residents that the national government and Lamu county government are working with the investor for the best interest of the farmers who will pave way for the project and nobody will be victimised during the process. He dismissed earlier reports circulating on social media that the investor was acquiring land illegally without involving the locals through proper compensation mechanism warning that the government was monitoring every move and all the affected persons will be considered and the ongoing process to map out the project area is the first process to establish the boundaries and establish the number of affected people. Kanyiri however expressed 90 Megawatts of electricity that the wind power project operated by Kenwind Power is expected to generate upon completion. 600 Farmers and their families to benefit from a resettlement action plan (RAP) confidence that the energy company has established proper mechanisms to compensate those who will pave way for the project after carrying out proper Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) that meets international standards that will involve land for money or land for land after assessing the project area. The commissioner also said the delay of the project has been occasioned by the clearance procedures involved where the investor had to be cleared by key government institutions before commencing the implementation of the project that is aimed at transforming the area saying that Lamu county is the least developed hence the need to appreciate key investments in the area that will create jobs and transform the economy. Lamu county Lands CEC Fahima Arafat also confirmed that the county government had deployed surveyors to map the area that will be used to establish the RAP saying those accusing the investor had ill intentions of seeing the project fail. She stated that the county government was fully backing the project as it will help provide employment opportunities for Lamu residents once it is complete. The project is one among a triad of energy generation projects set to be established in Lamu with the Amu Power Coal plant expected to generate 1,050 megawatts while Zarara Oil and Gas Company is expected to strike gas reserves that add between 50-200 Megawatts to the national grid. BY MARGARET KIRERA KNA-NANYUKI L aikipia County Development Authority Board has been inaugurated with its chairman James Mworia promising to eliminate barriers that hinder large capital investments in the area. Mworia, who is Centum Investment CEO, said the board has been mandated to advise the County government on appropriate policies, regulation and plans required for development in the region. Other objectives of the board include sourcing local or international resources required to finance the county’s planned projects and promotion of households’ economic empowerment initiative. “The Board will identify priority areas for sustainable development through resource mobilisation, and package prospective investment facilitation,’’ Mworia added. Laikipia County development board finally inaugurated Chairman James Mworia promises to eliminate barriers that hinder large capital investments in the area The chairman added that the board is focused on ensuring that ordinary residents are able to make a daily income of Sh600 and the governor’s agenda of creating 30,000 jobs annually is achieved. Mworia was speaking after inauguration of the board by Laikipia County Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, which took place at the Governor’s office boardroom in Nanyuki town Wednesday. He said the board will ensure that investors are not delayed due to bureaucratic processes after their investment plans are approved. The Laikipia development Authority Board has borrowed the model of Singapore and Rwanda boards which have proved to be very successful. During his vetting by Laikipia County Assembly in July this year, Mworia said he will is focused on serving the County in the capacity and will sacrifice his salary to students who are unable to pay their school fees. The Governor said he was optimistic that with the chairmanship of Mworia, the Board will mobilise resources for sustainable development in Laikipia County. Other board’s members include Borana Ranch Manager Michael Dyer, Faith Waigua, Joseph Ngugi, Margaret Lesuda and Joseph Ngugi.
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