KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
NAME: MUTURI KAMAU
REGISTRATION NO: N80S/17828/2011
UNIT CODE: ESU 300
UNIT NAME: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND
AUDIT
SCHOOL: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT: ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
TASK: ASSUMING YOU HAVE BEEN HIRED BY KENYA
ELECTRICITY GENERATING COMPANY AS AN
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT TO CONDUCT EIA STUDY FOR
THE PROPOSED WIND POWER PROJECT IN ISIOLO COUNTY
DATE: 29/10/13
, INTRODUCTION
An environmental impact assessment is an assessment of the possible impacts that a proposed
project may have on the environment consisting of the environmental, social and economic
aspects.
The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the environmental
impacts when deciding whether or not to pass or proceed with the project.
The proposed Isiolo County wind power project is a significant strategic benefit to Kenya. It
aims to provide reliable, low cost wind energy. The main sources of energy in Kenya are
electricity, woodfuel, petroleum and renewable resources. Of the total energy requirements in
Kenya the majority of the country’s primary energy consumption comes from wood fuel and
other biomass sources which has resulted in one of the highest deforestation rate on the whole
continent. Of the above main sources of energy in Kenya, electricity is crucial for the economic
development of the nation. The provision of an affordable and reliable supply of electricity is the
lifeblood of the Kenyan economy.
It is estimated that only a small population of the Kenyan public have access to electricity.
Additional generation with associated transmission and distribution is necessary in order to
achieve a greater percentage of the population and support economic growth. The situation is
aggravated by over reliance on hydro-power which has often been unreliable in dry seasons. The
1999-2002 droughts in such regions such as Isiolo are an example of periods where lack of water
supply greatly affected the power production of the hydro-electric dams had a crippling effect on
the economy. This experience underscores the need to increase power production and associated
facilities in order to diversify power sources.
In accordance to vision 2030, energy is one of the infrastructural enablers of the three
development pillars, namely the economic, social and political aspects. In addition, the current
energy policy objectives in Kenya emphasize the need for energy availability and accessibility at
cost effective prices. The policy also supports sustainable socio-economic development while
protecting and conserving the environment. Through the auspices of the Ministry of Energy, the
Electricity Regulatory Commission, Kenya Electricity generating company and the Kenya Power
set out a strategic capacity development for the energy sector.
The entry of this project into the Kenya power scenario will contribute to the power
diversification without resorting to fossil fuels.
NAME: MUTURI KAMAU
REGISTRATION NO: N80S/17828/2011
UNIT CODE: ESU 300
UNIT NAME: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND
AUDIT
SCHOOL: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT: ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
TASK: ASSUMING YOU HAVE BEEN HIRED BY KENYA
ELECTRICITY GENERATING COMPANY AS AN
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT TO CONDUCT EIA STUDY FOR
THE PROPOSED WIND POWER PROJECT IN ISIOLO COUNTY
DATE: 29/10/13
, INTRODUCTION
An environmental impact assessment is an assessment of the possible impacts that a proposed
project may have on the environment consisting of the environmental, social and economic
aspects.
The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the environmental
impacts when deciding whether or not to pass or proceed with the project.
The proposed Isiolo County wind power project is a significant strategic benefit to Kenya. It
aims to provide reliable, low cost wind energy. The main sources of energy in Kenya are
electricity, woodfuel, petroleum and renewable resources. Of the total energy requirements in
Kenya the majority of the country’s primary energy consumption comes from wood fuel and
other biomass sources which has resulted in one of the highest deforestation rate on the whole
continent. Of the above main sources of energy in Kenya, electricity is crucial for the economic
development of the nation. The provision of an affordable and reliable supply of electricity is the
lifeblood of the Kenyan economy.
It is estimated that only a small population of the Kenyan public have access to electricity.
Additional generation with associated transmission and distribution is necessary in order to
achieve a greater percentage of the population and support economic growth. The situation is
aggravated by over reliance on hydro-power which has often been unreliable in dry seasons. The
1999-2002 droughts in such regions such as Isiolo are an example of periods where lack of water
supply greatly affected the power production of the hydro-electric dams had a crippling effect on
the economy. This experience underscores the need to increase power production and associated
facilities in order to diversify power sources.
In accordance to vision 2030, energy is one of the infrastructural enablers of the three
development pillars, namely the economic, social and political aspects. In addition, the current
energy policy objectives in Kenya emphasize the need for energy availability and accessibility at
cost effective prices. The policy also supports sustainable socio-economic development while
protecting and conserving the environment. Through the auspices of the Ministry of Energy, the
Electricity Regulatory Commission, Kenya Electricity generating company and the Kenya Power
set out a strategic capacity development for the energy sector.
The entry of this project into the Kenya power scenario will contribute to the power
diversification without resorting to fossil fuels.
