Environmental Impact Assessment in Kenya: Challenges of Emerging Technologies on Development Projects

Abstract

Energy extraction and use based on current technologies is a precursor to many developmental agenda especially in developing countries. Most developed countries have made substantial strides in their economies due to vast amounts of fossil fuels and nuclear energy available in their land or ocean floors. The consequences of these technologies has seen rise in industrial accidents due to nuclear leakages and oil spills, but also the current trend of climate related changes brought about mainly by the fossil fuels air pollution. These countries are currently re thinking their development agenda as well as sustainability, coupled with diverse stringent standards that need to be met in order for these
energy technologies to be environmentally friendly. Developing countries on the other hand are just beginning to adopt these emerging technologies. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have recently identified and are in the process of harnessing these energy options, but face the challenge of environmental disasters related to fossil fuel use. In Kenya for example the UNEP office in Nairobi has on several occasions
called on the country to embrace cleaner energy options that are available within its boundaries, the question has of course been on the development agenda of the country which sees this as an opportunity to improve services for its citizen, of course trading off the environmental consequences related to its use. Besides the challenge of importing skilled manpower to deal with the emerging energy technology use, Kenya is practically wanting with the environmental impact assessment procedures related to the use of fossil fuels and nuclear energy. The National Environment Action Plan, and the National Policy is very clear on its emphasis for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on such development projects. This legislative challenge needs to be addressed for Kenya to realize the benefits as well as prevent the obvious environmental challenges related to it.