Kenya is currently navigating a complex landscape of large-scale industrial development and environmental management, as the government seeks to expand its energy and infrastructure sectors while addressing ecological concerns.
A significant development in the industrial sector is the recent groundbreaking of a $16 billion refinery project. While the government has committed to addressing land and environmental concerns fairly, the project has faced legal challenges from local residents who argue they were not adequately informed about the potential negative impacts. Located in the Lamu region, the project has raised alarms among local communities regarding the potential for oil spills in the Indian Ocean. Residents and local fishermen fear that industrial activity could threaten the region’s delicate mangrove forests, disrupt local fishing economies, and negatively impact tourism in the area, which includes the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lamu Old Town.
Simultaneously, Kenya’s energy sector is facing scrutiny regarding its water dependency. Geothermal power, which supplied 43% of the country’s electricity in 2024, is increasingly reliant on Lake Naivasha for cooling. According to a National Climate Resilience Assessment by the International Energy Agency, four geothermal plants in Olkaria draw water from the lake to maintain operations. As the country continues to add capacity—including the 300 MW Baringo-Silali-Paka project expected by 2028—concerns have been raised regarding the lack of public data on water withdrawal levels and the long-term sustainability of this cooling method during periods of drought.
In the western part of the country, Kenya and Tanzania have intensified collaborative efforts to protect the Mara River basin. The region faces significant environmental pressure, with reports estimating an annual loss of approximately 253,000 tonnes of sediment due to soil erosion. This degradation is linked to the loss of forest cover in the Mau Forest Complex, encroachment on riparian zones, overgrazing, and pollution from wastewater and agrochemicals. Stakeholders are now advocating for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, the harmonization of cross-border policies, and the implementation of early-warning systems for climate-related disasters like floods and droughts.
The national government has also reiterated its commitment to broader environmental goals, including the expansion of renewable energy access and the increase of national tree cover. However, these initiatives occur alongside ongoing debates regarding land use and agricultural policy. Advocacy groups have raised concerns regarding the protection of indigenous forests and the legal framework surrounding the sharing of indigenous seeds by farmers.
As the country moves forward, the intersection of industrial growth and ecological preservation remains a central theme. Authorities are under pressure to balance the demand for energy and economic development with the need to protect vital natural resources, such as the Mara River basin and the coastal ecosystems of Lamu, while ensuring that local communities are included in the decision-making processes for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Sources
- Kaikai: The environment in this country has become quite ...
- Kenya breaks ground on $16bn refinery as environmental concerns grow
- Kenya breaks ground on $16bn refinery as environmental concerns grow - RFI
- Kenya Geothermal Plants Lean on Lake Naivasha for Cooling - Environment+Energy Leader
- Kenya, Tanzania step up action to save Mara River | Government Advertising Agency
- Greenpeace Africa - Greenpeace Africa
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