The Impacts on the Community of the Proposed Coal Plant in Lamu: Who, if Anyone, Benefits from

o. 31 Burning Fossil Fuels? N

I ssue By DeCOALonize

1 The Impacts on the Community of the Proposed Coal Plant in Lamu: Who, if anyone, benefits from Burning Fossil Fuels?

In 2013, the Government of Kenya proposed the construction of a 1,050-megawatt coal plant in Lamu County. It would be the first coal-fired generation plant in Kenya, and the first in East Africa. The proposal for a coal plant was curious because Kenya has more than enough current capacity and potential for renewable energy generation to not only meet current electricity demands, but also to meet and exceed the projected demands through 2030.

The proposed coal plant in Lamu not only tells the story of a growing economy turning to an outdated environmentally destructive means of energy production, but also illustrates the plight of indigenous peoples and local communities, and the threat to their land, livelihoods and culture from unnecessary industrial development.

A UN Environment publication series that presents views from Major Groups and Stakeholders of Civil Society or about issues that are relevant for them. PERSPECTIVES is coordinated by UN Environment’s Civil Society Unit. The presented views are entirely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UN Environment.

Cover photo: Lamu Island, © Save Lamu Lamu Children, © Save Lamu

2 Lamu

Lamu is a county located on carved furniture, and on coral and airport, a railway line and highway the northern coast of Kenya, lime for the walls of their buildings network, and a metropolis and boasting one of the most beautiful and houses. resort city; and, more recently, coastlines in the world. The Lamu the proposed coal-fired electricity Archipelago is made up of dozens As the oldest and best-preserved generating plant. of islands. The largest are Lamu, Swahili settlement in East Africa, Manda and Pate. Lamu was once the United Nations Scientific and In 2014, a Heritage Impact the most important trading centre Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Assessment, prepared by George in all of East Africa and is home declared Lamu a World Heritage Abungu, Karel A. Bakker and to the Swahili people who still Site in 2001. This designation Ishanlosen Odiaua, highlighted the follow, in many ways, the same spawned another economy in threats to the heritage site from lifestyle as their ancestors in the Lamu: tourism. Each year tens of the LAPSSET project. The authors fourteenth century. thousands of people come to Lamu found that “the EIA [Environmental to explore the labyrinthian streets Impact Assessment] came to a The Swahili are a group of and wander among the donkeys, positive recommendation for the people who speak Kiswahili as craftsmen building their wares, and project, despite not understanding their mother tongue. They are people selling fish in the square in the cultural resource and therefore Muslims and inhabit the coast front of the early nineteenth-century having no basis for assessing from Somalia in the north to fort. The many cultural festivals impact and designing mitigation”. Mozambique in the south. In celebrated on the island also attract Lamu, they make their livelihoods thousands of tourists. The proposed Lamu Coal Power primarily through fishing, using Plant will exponentially increase traditional dhow boats to traverse Yet the Swahili people and their the already significant risks posed the bay. They also depend on the environment are under threat: by LAPSSET to the health and fish they catch to feed themselves first, from the Lamu Port-South livelihoods of the people in the and their families. The Swahili in Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport region, the ecosystem, and to Lamu are intimately entwined with (LAPSSET) corridor, which Lamu Old Town World Heritage their marine ecosystem, relying includes a new port in Lamu, and Property. on the mangroves that line their a proposed oil pipeline and depot, shores for wood for their dhows, industrial park and transport hub architecture and elaborately comprised of an international

Traditional Dancers, Lamu Cultural Festival (Ngoma), © Save Lamu Donkey, Lamu Town, © Save Lamu

3 Background to the Coal Power Plant

Historically, Kenya has generated that there would be less political this development will take an its electricity from a combination cohesion to oppose the plan. In additional six years to get online of hydroelectric and diesel power early 2014, the Government invited and requires the construction of plants. More recently, renewable tenders, and the contract for the a railway from Kitui to Kwasasi to resources such as geothermal, Lamu Coal Plant was awarded transport the coal. wind and solar energy have to Amu Power Company in entered the country’s electricity September of that year. The plans for this plant not only generation portfolio, with 24 per go against the recent trend in cent of Kenya’s electricity coming Amu Power is a special purpose international divestment from from these sources in 2015. The joint venture between Gulf coal and coal-fired generation, idea for a coal plant was first Energy, a petroleum company, but also ignore the fact that introduced in the 2005 20-year and Centum, an investment the plant is not necessary Least Cost Power Development company dual-listed on the Nairobi to meet current or projected Plan (LCPDP) commissioned Securities Exchange and the electricity demand. Historically, by the Government. The plans Ugandan Securities Exchange. The the growth rate for electricity for a 150MW coal plant to be entity’s sole project, the Lamu Coal use in Kenya has hovered constructed at Dongo Kundu Plant, is to be designed and built around 6 per cent. Lahmeyer near Mombasa were dropped in by Power China. The plant will be International, an independent 2008 when the LCPDP proposed owned by the Kenyan Government engineering consultancy that a 2x150MW coal plant instead. and the electricity generated will prepared the Power Generation The Government had by then be delivered by state utility, Kenya and Transmission Master Plan for decided to build the plant in Kilifi Power. The electricity from the Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and and initiated a feasibility report, plant is slated for transmission on Petroleum, projects electricity but faced opposition from the the National Grid, and taxpayers consumption in Kenya to grow, on community, particularly around will pay an additional USD 270 average, by 8 per cent annually land acquisition. The Government million for the transmission line. through 2030, with a peak load therefore moved the location in 2030 of 4,700MW. The plans to Lamu, which appeared to be In order to fuel the plant, Amu for the Lamu Plant were adopted an ideal site as plans for the Power plans to import coal based on an anomalous projected LAPSSET corridor were already in primarily from South Africa and demand growth of 15 per cent place. In addition, the multiplicity Mozambique. The Government and a peak demand in 2030 of of ethnic groups in Lamu, of which has plans to mine coal for the 10,000-15,000MW. the Swahili are only one, meant plant in nearby Kitui, Kenya, but

Mangroves, Lamu County, © Sara Duboys

4 Burning Coal

Coal combustion requires large Depending on the emission to die and will no longer be able quantities of coal and water to controls installed, they can also to sustain itself or the aquatic feed and cool the plant during release differing quantities of creatures that live in the reef. operations, and creates waste in lead, uranium, carbon monoxide, the form of air emissions, effluents volatile organic compounds, The ash residue from coal and ash. cadmium, and other heavy metals. combustion contains toxic Breathing air containing these elements including mercury, Inputs: The Lamu Coal Plant is emissions is linked to asthma, cadmium, lead, naturally occurring intending to use coal primarily cancer, ear and lung problems, and radioactive materials, and over from South Africa and, when the neurological diseases. a dozen heavy metals. Exposure mine in Kitui is developed, will to these elements causes also source some of its coal from These emissions call into heart damage, lung disease, Kenya. Coal raises environmental question Kenya’s ability to keep its reproductive problems, birth and health concerns throughout its commitment to the United Nations defects and cancer. The Lamu life cycle: from mining to transport, Framework Convention on Coal Plant proposes an ash storage and combustion. During Climate Change. In its Intended yard that will hold 26,740,000 the first three stages, coal dust is Nationally Defined Contribution, cubic metres of ash and stand a major contaminant. Inhaling coal Kenya committed to reduce its 25.8 metres high at a mere 200 dust can cause lung inflammation, greenhouse gas emissions by metres from the intertidal zone. increased risk of cardiopulmonary 30 per cent based on Business The ESIA identifies the site of the disease, chronic obstructive As Usual. In 2010, Kenya’s Lamu Plant as “high flood risk pulmonary disease, hypertension, greenhouse gas emissions were and vulnerable” and states that lung disease and kidney disease. 73 million tons of carbon dioxide “flows are likely to cause flooding, In addition to the risks to human (CO2). The proposed coal plant water logging and inundation of health, in Lamu the dust would would release 8.8 million tons of the floodplains of some of the coat the mangroves, reducing their CO2e annually, which would double watersheds of Lamu Coal Power ability to exchange carbon dioxide its emissions from the energy Plant project Kwasasi area”. and harm marine organisms. sector and increase Kenya’s national emissions by 6-10 per Lauri Myllyvirta, an energy and In order to maintain a safe cent. pollution analyst and Clifford temperature for the plant, millions Chuwah, an environmental of litres of water are required The water output from coal consultant, found that “the for cooling. Although the plant combustion is primarily the planned Lamu coal-fired power is located on Manda Bay, which release of cooling water. When plant is more likely to result in leads into the Indian Ocean, coal is burned to generate approximately 27 (present day) pulling water for a plant in this electricity, the boilers heat up and and 43 (2030) premature deaths area poses significant risk to the need to be cooled with water. per year due to exposure to water resources of the nation. As This requires millions of gallons PM2.5 [particulate matter with a noted in Kenya’s LAPSSET Corridor of water each day which, while diameter of 2.5 micrometres and Infrastructure Development Plan cooling the plant, are heated and less] and NO2 [Nitrogen Dioxide] “[w]ater demand will largely released back into the source. including deaths of infants due outstrip supply by 2030” and the The coal plant’s Environmental to an increased risk of respiratory water sources used to support and Social Impact Assessment infections” and that “assuming a LAPSSET – which includes the Study (ESIA) states that at the 40-year lifetime, and applying the port located in the same region as discharge point, the temperature projected health impacts for 2030, the Lamu Plant – “are projected to of the water will be 9 degrees the proposed power plant would experience huge deficits in water centigrade higher than the ambient be responsible for a total of 1,600 supply”. temperatures. This increase of premature deaths (95 per cent 6 degrees over the World Bank confidence interval: 1,000-2,200) Outputs: The release most Group Environmental Health and and 800 low birth weight births commonly associated with coal Safety Guidelines for Thermal over its entire operating life”. plants is the smoke coming out Power Plants would cause coral of the stacks. The emissions bleaching – the breaking down of from coal plants include carbon the relationship between the coral dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and the algae that live in it – and, nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury if high temperatures persist for (Hg) and particulate matter. two months, the coral will begin

5 Impact

Sea Turtles Hatching, © Save Lamu

The lives, livelihoods and culture of the Swahili and other peoples sea grasses and coral reefs from of Lamu are interwoven with their environment. It is impossible various destructions such as to discuss the impacts of coal combustion on the environment pollution. As regards humans, they act as a barrier from strong without also talking about the impacts on the community. monsoon winds and currents as Community members are concerned about how the plant will well as a sink for diseases which affect their lives and if there are any ways their environment, may emanate from the ocean.” health and livelihoods could be protected if Amu Power goes The mangroves and the bay are ahead with the plant. also home to a variety of fish and migratory birds, sea turtles and the dugong – considered Environment of mangroves and associated a vulnerable species. Each of ecosystems would further lead to these species will be affected by the increased temperature of As seen above, the coal plant a release of 1000tCO2 per hectare will have significant impacts on of mangrove lost; from both above the water as well as the release the environment of Lamu. This and below ground components.” of metals and other compounds will begin, according to James into the ecosystem. The beaches Kairo, a Marine Ecologist and Mohammed Mbwana, a resident of adjacent to the mangroves are Chief Scientist with Kenya Marine Lamu and Chair of the Shungwaya an important nesting site for and Fisheries Institute, during Welfare Association, a community- sea turtles – also considered construction. He found that “the based organization that provides vulnerable by the International sediment build-up during the civic education on land and natural Union for Conservation of Nature construction phase of the project resource rights, noted that the and Natural Resources. The region would disrupt stability and lead mangroves “make up the largest also houses endangered species to a potential collapse of the mangrove forest in Kenya, [and] such as the triton shell, sea horse marine ecosystem. The death are very important as they protect and shiny lobster.

6 Thus, any destruction of the For endangered species, the systems and crops, plants and mangroves, beaches, or water survival of some animals may trees, and affect fish and wildlife. systems would have irreparable depend on whether their offspring As noted in the ESIA, there are impacts on their habitat and can safely migrate from protected two national parks and numerous threaten their existence. breeding areas to other areas critical land and marine habitats where they are safe from fishing in the zones identified as most Furthermore, within marine and capture. In warmer waters, like affected by emissions from the ecosystems, the aquatic life is those in and around Lamu County, plant. Myllyvirta and Chuwah adapted to specific ranges of water dispersal distances tend to be found that “total acid deposition temperature. When the temperature shorter, so marine protected areas on land is projected at 8,000 changes, it affects rates of may need to be closer together tonnes SO2 equivalent, of which reproduction and interspecies than in colder waters. 24 per cent or 2,000 tonnes into interaction, including the potential critical and legally protected extinction of species that others During the operation of the coal areas”. rely on for food, thereby disrupting plant, the emissions will cause the entire ecosystem. acid rain. Acid rain can ruin water

Drying Fish, Lamu, © Michel Laplace-Toulouse Fishing trap, © Save Lamu Fishermen, Lamu County, © Michel Laplace-Toulouse

Livelihood and culture In assessing the impact of the coal the roots of plants and trees, plant on the local fishermen and thereby diminishing agricultural Destruction of the environment fishing industry, the Department production. It also affects the has a direct impact on the local of Fisheries Livestock and health of trees, leaving them economy and the economic Cooperative Development found more vulnerable to environmental sustainability of the Swahili people. that the approximately 5,500 stresses and disease. In Kwasasi, fishermen near the plant site the same area as the proposed The nitrogen in acid rain kills fish would face the greatest impact. coal plant, farmers grow cashews, and shellfish. This will significantly The marine water pollution coconut, millet and sesame. Their reduce potential incomes for from the plant will lead to the health, land and livelihoods will be fishermen and the fishing industry loss of fishing ground, nursery most impacted by the emissions in the region, which is valued at and feeding grounds, and the but, because they are being KSh 1.5 billion. The fishermen who disappearance of priority species, compensated for their land, they fish near the proposed plant use “resulting in loss of livelihoods”. are not raising any concerns about artisanal vessels and equipment; the plant. Compensation is set at the traditional fishing practices Acid rain also changes the KSh 800,000 per acre (USD 8,000) and boats are best suited to these chemistry of soil, reducing the with a cap of KSh 800 million. sheltered and restricted areas. nutrient content and damaging

7 Mohamed Athman Bakar, a Mr. Bwana explains: “Mangrove buildings and structures, and resident of Lamu and the Chair of cutters rely on different species create haze pollution that limits Amu Island Water Resource Users of mangrove trees to make visibility. The obfuscation of the Association – a group working dhows, build houses and also sell stunning vistas of Lamu Town and with fishermen to conserve charcoal from it.” The clearcutting the neighbouring communities water in Lamu County – is also of mangroves to build the plant – and islands, in conjunction with concerned that in addition to the which would cut down all species the elevated toxicity in the waters farmers, the mangrove cutters indiscriminately – in addition to that would destroy the coral and fishermen of Kwasasi “who the damage during operations reefs, could deter both locals rely on the creek around that area from acid rain, and heated and and tourists from swimming for prawns and lobsters will be contaminated waterways, will and snorkelling off Lamu’s once highly impacted by the proposed have an impact on all types of pristine beaches. This would have coal project”. Currently, fishermen artisans as well as women who a significant effect on tourism, in Lamu earn approximately KSh use the charcoal to cook food for thereby hitting the local economy 200 million (USD 2 million) from their families. from yet another angle. Tourism crabs and KSh 450 million (USD brings more than KSh 2 billion 4.5 million) from lobsters – both The walls of traditional Swahili (USD 20 million) into the economy of which would be in endangered buildings are made of coral of Lamu each year and contributes not only from the loss of mangrove stone, coral rag and lime (which more than KSh 500 million in taxes habitat but also with increasing is made from burning coral stone (USD 5 million). acidification of the waters. over mangroves and leaving it to mature) and then covered with Health Destruction of the mangroves plaster. As the coral dies off with and the coral reef will also mean rising water temperatures, these Releases from coal combustion that the Swahili people no longer types of building materials will plants – in the form of gases, have access to the materials also become scarce, resulting liquids and solids – have been required for their traditional arts in a cessation of traditional proven to damage human health. and architecture. The Swahili are construction and historical In the case of the Lamu Coal Plant, known for their wood carvings architectural practices. air “emission limits applied to and beautiful furniture – all carved the project are alarmingly weak from mangroves. In addition, the emissions from in international comparison. the coal plant will cause corrosion For example, the plant would be and other damage to the historic allowed to emit 5-10 times as

Simsim (Sesame) Farm, Kwasasi, © Omar Elmawi

8 Fundi Carving a Chair, © Save Lamu Carved Door with Traditional Motifs, © Save Lamu much key air pollutants as a new An analysis of the ash from 41 to be in use for 50 years. There coal-fired power plants in China South African coal samples found is no proposal for how the ash and the EU.” “Approximately 500 tons of ash could yield 3-10 kg will be stored beyond the first 15 460,000 people live in areas of arsenic, 50-130 kg of chromium, years. This is a significant health where air quality would be notably 20-40 kg of copper, 80-270 kg of risk because, around the world, affected, while approximately manganese, 20-90 kg of nickel and ash ponds have leached toxic 1,000 people live in the areas of 7-40 kg of lead. compounds into the ground and highest impact.” The particulates water. The toxins in coal ash “have in air emissions are known The designated ash yard at Manda the potential to injure all of the to cause asthma, bronchitis, Bay will be built over a freshwater major organ systems, damage cardiac disease and cancer. In aquifer, which poses a significant physical health and development, addition to the pollution, inhaling health risk to anyone using nearby and even contribute to mortality”. acidic fog or misty air can be ground or surface water for This is a particular risk to all of damaging to human health as the drinking, washing, agriculture or the residents and visitors to Lamu particulate matter causes asthma aquaculture. Coal ash contains because, as noted, the designated and headaches, and irritates toxic elements including arsenic, pond for the Lamu Coal Plant will the nose, throat and eyes. It is mercury, cadmium, lead, naturally be built in a flood zone. particularly dangerous for people occurring radioactive materials, who are old, sick or have chronic and over a dozen heavy metals. respiratory problems. Exposure to these elements causes heart damage, lung The ash contains materials that disease, reproductive problems, are carcinogenic and radioactive. neurological effects, birth The ash would be deposited in an defects and cancer. And as ash pond on the shore of Manda pollution controls are added Bay, posing a health risk to all the to smokestacks to reduce air people and animals who reside emissions, the compounds that in the vicinity. According to an are collected end up in the ash independent analysis, the “total fly making it increasingly toxic. ash deposition on land is predicted According to the ESIA, the ash at 500 tons per year, of which 22 pond for the Lamu Plant is per cent or 110 tons into critical designed to store ash for 15 and legally protected areas”. years but the plant is expected

9 In conclusion

Based on the evidence, it is inconceivable that the proposed coal plant in Lamu would not cause irreparable damage to the natural environment in Lamu County. Furthermore, it is impossible to separate the significant impact on the environment from the impact on the lives and culture of the Swahili people because they are so interdependent.

There is no convincing argument of the need for the plant given the consensus on projected electricity demand and the abundance of renewable energy resources in Kenya. We question why this project is moving forward given the impact it will have on our lives and are doing everything within our power to try to stop it.

About the author: This report was written collectively by members of deCOALonize. DeCOALonize is a collaboration of environmental and social justice advocates who want Kenya to have a green economy powered by sustainable and clean renewable energy. Partners consist of individuals and organizations from Kenya, South Africa, Australia, Europe and the United States of America. For additional information, visit www.deCOALonize.org

Dhows at Sunset, Manda Bay, © Save Lamu

10 Previous Perspective Editions

Issue No. Title Authors

Issue No. 1 Discussion Paper: Improving Public Participation in Jacob Werksman Environmental Governance and Joseph Foti

Issue No. 2 Models for Local Government Organisations (LGOs) Susanne Salz Involvement in a Strengthened UNEP

Issue No. 3 Peoples’ Sustainability Treaties for Rio+20 Uchita De Zoysa

Issue No. 4 Environmental and Sustainability Thomas R. Jacob, T. R. Jacob & Governance – Thoughts from an Associate Industry Perspective

Issue No. 5 Opportunities and Challenges Facing Farmers in Patrick Binns, Transitioning to a Green Economy Agriculture Practice Westbrook Associates Llc

Issue No. 6 Ombudspersons for Future Generations: A Proposal for Catherine Pearce, Rio+20 World Future Council

Issue No. 7 Globalizing Environmental Democracy: A Call for Lalanath De Silva, International Action World Resources Institute & Jeremy Wates, European Environmental Bureau

Issue No. 8 Rio+20: A New Beginning Felix Dodds and Anita Nayar

Issue No. 9 Building the Big Picture for a Green Economy The Green Economy Coalition - Oliver Greenfield and Emily Benson

Issue No. 10 Citizens’ Advisory Councils to Enhance Civil Society: Richard Steiner, Professor, Oasis Oversight of Resource Industries Earth, Anchorage, Antarctica

Issue No. 11 Strengthening UNEP’s Legitimacy: Towards Greater Joyeeta Gupta and Stakeholder Engagement Stephen Stec

Issue No. 12 Towards a Global Agenda of Sustainability and Equity: Leida Rijnhout, Uchita De Zoysa, Civil Society Engagement for the Future We Want Ashish Kothari, Hali Healy

Issue No. 13 Technology and Sustainability: Changing Our Perspective Peter H. Denton, Ph.D.

Issue No. 14 Illicit Wildlife Trafficking: An Environmental, Economic Elisabeth Mclellan (WWF), and Social Issue Rob Parry-Jones (WWF), Richard Thomas (Traffic), Colman O'criodain (WWF), Sabri Zain (Traffic)

11 Issue No.15 At the Post-2015 Sustainability Crossroads: Too Vital to Norine Kennedy, USCIB Fail, Avoiding Too Complicated to Succeed: Business Perspectives and Priorities

Issue No. 16 Implementing Principle 10 and The Bali Guidelines in Benson Owour Ochieng Africa

Issue No. 17 Sustainable Development Goals and Sascha Gabizon, WECF International, the 2030 Agenda Isis Alvarez And Simone Lovera GFC; Caroline Usikpedo NDWMD; Neth Dano Etc-Group

Issue No. 18 Pastoralist Participation and Networking in Policy Pablo Manzano, Dialogue: Dimensions and Challenges Monica Agarwal

Issue No. 19 Universal Sustainable Development Goals. Stakeholder Forum - Derek Osborn, A Challenge fort he Rich Countries As Well As the Poor Farooq Ullah

Issue No. 20 UNEP and Civil Society: An Exchange. Mark Halle (IISD), A New Landscape for Stakeholder Engagement in UNEP? Felix Dodds (GRI)

Issue No. 21 The Faith We Share and The World We Want Peter H. Denton, Ph.D.

Issue No. 22 Lessons From UNEA -2: Ensure Broader, Deeper Voices From Civil Society Engagement in a Focused UNEA -3

Issue No. 23 Why Should the UN and in Particular UN Environment Arthur Lyon Dahl Engage More With Faith-Based Organizations?

Issue No. 24 Conflict Pollution and The Toxic Remnants Doug Weir of War: A Global Problem That Receives Too Little Attention

Issue No. 26 Community Based Monitoring to End Oil Contamination Camilla Capasso in Peruvian Amazon

Issue No. 27 Tackling Pollution Is Essential for Meeting SDG Poverty Dr Andrew Farmer Objectives

Issue No. 28 Impacts of Pollution on Our Health and Ana Barreira, Massimiliano Patierno The Planet: The Case of Coal Power Plants and Carlota Ruiz Bautista

Issue No. 29 The Impact of Pollution on Planetary Health: Emergence Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc of an Underappreciated Risk Factor

Issue No. 30 People and Pollution: Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue at the Felix Dodds United Nations Environment Assembly 3

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