A standoff between the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) and residents of Menengai in Nakuru County over the acquisition of land for geothermal exploration threatens to derail the company’s operations in the region.
Thousands of residents of Ol Rongai in Rongai say they are living in fear of eviction after GDC revealed plans to acquire more land for geothermal development.
According to the residents, the planned project—by GDC in collaboration with the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)—will affect 16 villages across Menengai West and Kabazi wards, covering more than 53,000 acres. The announcement has sparked outrage among locals who fear mass displacement, loss of livelihoods and environmental degradation.
Speaking during a community meeting at the African Inland Church (AIC) Tulwobmoi, the community coordinator Timothy Ngetich said the two organisations intend to conduct drilling operations in the agriculturally productive region without adequate consultation.
“As residents, we have lived in this area for many years and invested in our farms, which we depend on for our livelihoods. We are shocked by the planned exploration. GDC and KenGen are yet to conduct proper public participation,” he said.
Mr Ngetich said that the affected areas in Menengai West include Ol Rongai Locations 4A and 4B, Kichwa A and B, Ol Rongai Centre, Upper Ol Rongai, Kwa Gitau Centre, Mlimani, Tulwobmoi, Kalyet, and Amani villages.
However, GDC Deputy Manager for Corporate Communications and Marketing Eric Wamanji dismissed fears of eviction, saying that the company will follow all legal procedures.
“There is no looming displacement. The government cannot just displace people. There are procedures for land acquisition, where the rights of landowners are fully safeguarded. GDC has no mandate to acquire land as that is done by the National Land Commission (NLC). The community should not panic,” he said.
Efforts to reach GDC Chief Executive Officer Paul Ngugi for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.
In Kabazi Ward, the affected villages include Kirima, Marogo, Rigogo, Arahuka and Kipngochoch. Over 150,000 residents are expected to be affected.
Residents’ spokesperson Dr Peter Mbae has threatened legal action against GDC and KenGen over the proposed land acquisition.
“Any attempts to forcefully take our land will not be tolerated. We are meeting to make a resolution on the impending intrusion. This is our ancestral land, our home, where our children go to school and our parents are buried. You cannot just walk in and throw us out,” he said.
Dr Mbae said the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) visited the area in December 2020 for a public hearing and promised the community that no geothermal licences would be issued without further engagement.
Mr Solomon Manyargi, a resident of Menengai West for 40 years, told the Nation that their parcels of land—mostly titled and inhabited for generations—are not idle, as assumed by project proponents. They support subsistence farming, livestock rearing and housing.
Ms Rosebella Baruei, a local teacher, noted that over 10,000 learners would be displaced, disrupting education in the region. “What they are planning is economic sabotage disguised as development. How do you justify displacing over 100,000 people for drilling?” she posed.
Through their lawyer, Mr Mark Odaga, the residents have threatened to sue over the land acquisition plans.
“The Constitution guarantees Kenyans the right to a clean and healthy environment. Locals must be consulted before any decisions that affect them are made. No one can carry out geothermal exploration without proper public participation,” stated Mr Odaga.
He added that the community is concerned about the lack of transparency and public disclosure regarding the project.
“These are peaceful, highly organised people who are very aware of their rights. We have already successfully challenged one licence issued without proper publication. We will continue supporting them to ensure their rights are upheld,” he said.
