Kenya’s green future hangs in the balance, threatened by coal. Since 2013, the Kenyan government has increasingly pursued the expansion of a coal industry in the country that threatens local communities with displacement, harmful effects to their health and livelihoods, negative impacts on the ecosystem, and brings back unprofitable and outdated economic development.
The Now or Never campaign, led by grassroots organizations and community members, calls for an end to coal in Kenya—starting with the rejection of a coal plant in the shores of Lamu, and the revocation of coal mining concessions in Kitui. We urge the Kenyan Government to immediately abandon all coal mining plans, particularly in Kitui County, and to cancel any outstanding coal exploration or development licenses. We demand the upholding of the 2019 ruling that revoked the EIA license for the Lamu coal plant and urge the courts to protect the gains made by frontline communities and civil society. We call for investment in a just energy transition, including community-driven renewable energy solutions and inclusive policy development that centers the needs of vulnerable groups. Timeline of resistance After years of fierce resistance, communities in Lamu and Kitui won a major victory in 2019 when the National Environment Tribunal revoked the license for a planned 1,050MW coal-fired power plant in Lamu. But in 2024, that hard-won progress came under threat once again. Kenya’s National Environment Tribunal (NET) revokes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Licence granted to Amu Power Company Limited for the construction of a 1,050 MW coal-fired power plant in Kwasasi, Lamu County. Amu Power appeals the NET decision at the Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Malindi. In its Appeal, Amu Power asks the ELC to overturn the NET decision, reinstating the EIA Licence for the coal-fired power plant. Save Lamu files a Cross Appeal asking the ELC in Malindi to give a decision on 6 issues they raised that were not addressed by the NET. They subsequently also ask that the ELC Appeal be heard by at least five judges to ensure transparency. The Environment and Land Court in Malindi refuses Save Lamu’s request that the appeal be heard by a panel of at least five judges. Save Lamu files its written arguments opposing the Appeal and in support of their Cross Appeal. Amu Power appeals the NET decision at the Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Malindi. In its Appeal, Amu Power asks the ELC to overturn the NET decision, reinstating the EIA Licence for the coal-fired power plant. Amu Power files further written arguments in support of the Appeal. The Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Malindi heard Amu Power Company Limited’s appeal and Save Lamu’s cross-appeal after postponing the hearing set to have happened The outcome of the appeal will be known on May 29, 2025, when the Environment and Land Court in Malindi delivers its judgment. Our partners
NOW OR NEVER:
THE FIGHT AGAINST COAL AND REGRESS IN KENYA
This is not just about power plants.
It’s about the future of our people, our climate, and our right to decide what development looks like.
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