Residents reject coal mining plans over health concerns
A fresh row is simmering between Kitui leaders and residents in mineral-rich areas, with the locals approving extraction of other minerals save for coal.
The country’s dream of becoming a major coal producer may not materialise soon after the community in Mui basin rejected extraction of the mineral until their concerns on human health and environmental aspects are addressed.
The residents’ stance differs with that of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, who are agitating for immediate extraction of the mineral to change the fortunes of the county.
During a mining conference held at Kitui multi-purpose hall over the weekend and organised by the area Catholic diocese and its partners, the participants vowed not to let their land be taken for coal mining purposes until their demands are met.
Organisers of the conference included the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC), Haki Madini and the Caritas.
The participants approved mining of limestone, copper, iron ore and sapphire among other minerals found in the county apart from coal, which other countries are against its extraction due to adverse side effects and contribution to global warming.
The residents’ sentiments are likely to trigger a fresh encounter with Kalonzo and Ngilu, who during the recent BBI forum held in Kitui said the initiative will fasten extraction of coal in Mui to change the fortunes of the county economically.
“Since the signing of the Benefit Sharing Agreement between the investor and the national government, the residents of Mui have remained in the dark and it is wrong for some leaders to agitate for extraction of the mineral without approval from the community,’’ said Robert Kithome, a Mui resident.
Kithome claimed while the county government is supposed to ensure land owners are properly compensated, the county leadership had done nothing yet it is advocating for exploitation of the resource.
Impede extraction
While opening the conference, Rev Father John Mutuku advised the residents to be cautious of projects likely to have far-reaching consequences on their health and the surrounding environment.
“All contentious issues that have crippled the project should be addressed amicably and out of court to give the project a new lease of life as it is one of the heaviest investment the county is laying hope on,” said Mutuku.
Some of the issues the community has raised include compensation, reclamation of the land after the project ends, resettlement and benefit-sharing.
Kitui county geologist Justus Loki said many challenges impede extraction of minerals in the region including political interference and many investors acquiring several licences and remaining inactive on the ground.
South Eastern Kenya University geologist Dr Patrick Kariuki said mining of coal should be done with caution as it has enormous waste by-products, which can cause acid rain and increase global warming.
Rev Joseph Ngunia, a liaison committee member for coal blocks C and D, said:“Despite problems dogging the project, there is need to enhance the Mui Coal basin community participation in the coal activity as it will in the end change their lifestyles.’’ He called for fast tracking the enactment of the Coal Mining Act and formulation of a comprehensive coal mining policy.
Other leaders opposed to coal mining include Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai, who asked the governor not to hasten extraction of the mineral without fully involving the community, sentiments echoed by his Mwingi Central counterpart Gedion Mulyungi.
The Ministry now led by Principal Secretary John Omenge has been keen to educate residents on the benefits of the project especially in generation of electricity, where the Kitui coal will be a substitute for expensive oil and supplement hydro-generated electricity shortfalls in case of drought.
