Communities in Lamu gathered in the heart of Lamu Town, an area known for its rich Swahili culture and serene environment that explains the beauty of Lamu. united by a common cause the residents voice their opposition to the proposed coal fired power plant that threatens the beauty of the environment, health and the future generations.
This peaceful protest comes in a day before the hearing scheduled to take place in at the Environment and Land Court in Malindi where the fate of the Lamu coal plant will soon be decided. The proposed coal plant, is part of a broader initiative that has sparked fierce debates due to its potential environmental and social implications, risk to biodiversity, and long-term health impacts, has ignited protests from locals, environmentalists, and civil society organizations.
“We welcome developing projects coming to Lamu, but not at the expense of our lives, we want a project which will bring benefits to the people of Lamu and not to harm us” said Yahya Ahmed Shee, he further expressed his frustrations due to lack of job opportunities for youths in Lamu, and urged the government to invest in renewable energy which is environmentally friendly.
The protest, although peaceful, was charged with energy from the community led by the youths with banners reading messages such as “Coal Kills”, “Coal is Criminal”, and “Its time to take action, coal kills”. As the court is about to hear the case and finally give judgement Save Lamu and community is calling on the government to honor the voices of the people.
“We are confident that the court will uphold the right of Lamu’s communities to a clean, safe, healthy and sustainable environment, this is not just about having industrial development, this is about ensuring that the people of Lamu can thrive without the threat of irreversible environmental damage for generations to come” said Raya Famau one of the main key petitioner on the Lamu coal case, she however expressed her concerns on her firm stand against the development of the fossil fuel project in Lamu.
Community members, environmentalists, and other key stakeholders from Lamu and beyond are holding their breaths awaiting the courts decision after the hearing, Save Lamu’s legal partners has been battling in and out of court from 2016 when the case was filed, to 2019 when the NET revoked Amu powers license, and now the question lies on whether environmental assessments were conducted in a just manner, and whether the coal plant will truly benefit Lamu and Kenya as a whole.
Tourism is a vital pillar of Lamu’s economy, with thousands of visitors flocking the island each year to experience the calm serenity and rich cultural heritage, which has been preserved for generations. During a recent press briefing, Ms. Frida, the chairperson of the Lamu Tourist Association, shared her concerns about the proposed coal project. She described it as a hazardous initiative that could severely impact the region. “We are not here to oppose the project,” she stated, “but to urge the government to invest in more sustainable alternatives that will not jeopardize the future of tourism in Lamu.”
Conclusion
This fight is not about one town or one issue, it is a fight for the future of all Kenyans, the environment and for the protection of our collective heritage, the peaceful protest calls for a more sustainable development, the message of the protest is clear: Lamu deserves better. The voices of the people of Lamu is louder than ever, sending a powerful message that communities have the right to have a say in projects that affect their lives and the environment.
It is #NowOrNever
Story| Khadija Juma/Save Lamu 2025.