July 20, 2015
Kenya

Land dispute delays planned wind farm

By KENNEDY KIMANTHI | Daily Nation | July 19, 2015 | www.nation.co.ke

The construction of a 400-megawatt wind power plant in Tigania West, Meru County, is likely to be delayed after some land owners said they have not given their consent for the project to start.

The wind farm, which will be jointly constructed by the Meru County Government and power generating firm KenGen, will sit on about 18,700 acres of land whose ownership is contested.

The land owners said although they were not opposed to the project, which is near the Isiolo International Airport, ownership issues must first be resolved.

Tigania West MP David Karithi last week said it is important for the county government and investors to consult and collaborate with residents for the project to take off.

Mr Karithi said people who will be directly affected should be given time to make decisions.

“There is a case in court filed by some residents seeking the land to be declared a settlement scheme. The county government and KenGen should wait until the owners of the land are known so that they can be compensated,” he said.

Deputy County Commissioner Stephene Kavulu said a meeting will be held on July 31 to allow parties opposed to its implementation air their grievances.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/07/20/land-dispute-delays-planned-wind-farm/