Environment Cabinet Secretary Judi Wakhungu at a past function. [ Photo/buzzkenya.com]
Environment Cabinet Secretary Judi Wakhungu has said the Ministry is not advocating for the establishment of a Sh204.3 billion coal plant in Lamu.
Wakhungu said her Ministry is opposed to the proposed project because it will not only affect the environment but also the health of residents.“The Ministry of Environment is quite clear that there is no clean coal; coal is dirty, there is nothing like clean coal,” said Wakhungu, as quoted by the Standard.The proposed project has continued to elicit mixed reactions from different factions. Lamu Women Rep Shakila Abdalla, had opposed the project, arguing that it will bring residents more harm than good.“This project is going to have a negative impact on the lives of county residents and that is why I am opposed to it,” said Abdalla in a past interview.Wakhungu said different stakeholders have reached consensus that the project is not good for the nation considering its effect on the population.She noted that although electricity production needs to be increased in the country, a coal plant is not a viable solution towards the problem.The CS said they strive to produce more clean and renewable energy, citing wind power or solar energy as alternatives. “The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources recognizes clean renewable energy,” she said.