Residents of Olkaria, a geothermal-rich area in Naivasha, Kenya, staged a protest on Tuesday, blocking the main road and disrupting operations in the region. The Maasai community members, who were relocated by KenGen 12 years ago to pave way for one of its power plants, are demanding that the company address their concerns over poor roads and water scarcity. According to community leader Peter Nkamasiai, KenGen had promised to provide roads, water, and jobs, but has failed to keep its promise.
The protest, which lasted for hours, left tens of workers heading to various companies stranded. The community members claim that all feeder roads in the area are impassable, and the situation is expected to worsen with the onset of El Niño rains in a few weeks. Nkamasiai stated that the community is suffering due to KenGen's failure to address their concerns, adding that four villages in the Lapland area have been without water for over a month.
The water crisis has had a significant impact on the community, particularly women, who are forced to walk over 10 km to find water for their homes and livestock. Margaret Ngamasai, a woman leader, stated that some women have been forced to give birth at home due to the lack of access to hospitals, while others are sleeping in dirty conditions due to the water shortage. The community members have been trying to secure support from KenGen, but their efforts have been unsuccessful.
The protest is not just about water and roads, but also about job opportunities. Peter Shokoret, a youth leader, stated that despite the community hosting the power generation company, they have little to show for it, as outsiders continue to benefit from job opportunities. The community members have written several letters to KenGen regarding job and career opportunities but have received no response.
The community has given KenGen ten days to address their concerns, which include job opportunities, provision of better roads, and water. Failure to do so, they warn, will result in further paralysis of operations in the area. Engineer Evans Bett, KenGen manager in charge of drilling, addressed the demonstrators, attributing the water crisis to Kenya Power's failure to supply power to their generator.
Bett stated that KenGen agrees that some roads are in poor conditions and will start rehabilitating them immediately. He also promised that other issues, including jobs and internships, will be addressed by the management. However, the community members remain skeptical, citing the company's failure to keep its promises in the past.
The protest highlights the challenges faced by communities living in areas where large-scale projects are undertaken. The Maasai community, who were relocated to make way for KenGen's power plant, are demanding that the company takes responsibility for their welfare. The outcome of the protest and the actions taken by KenGen will be closely watched, as the community's concerns are addressed or ignored.
Key points
- Community demands that KenGen address concerns over poor roads and water scarcity.
- Protest disrupts operations in the geothermal-rich area of Olkaria.
- Community gives KenGen ten days to act on their issues.
