Maasai community demand written MoU from KenGen before relocation

By Antony Gitonga

Nakuru,Antony Gitonga:The planned relocation of members of the Maasai community from the geothermal rich area of Olkaria has hit a snag.

Members of the community are now demanding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from KenGen before the process of resettlement starts.

Following the move, a planned ground breaking ceremony, which expected to be graced by senior Government officials, was called off at the last minute.

Kengen has already acquired 1,700 acres in the vast Kedong Ranch where over 100 families will be moved to pave way for expansion of geothermal exploration.

According to one of the Maasai leaders Jackson Sencho, they want a written agreement with KenGen before moving out.

“We want the community to get the title deed to the land and we want KenGen to address the issue of pastures for our livestock before we move to the land,” said Sencho.

Renegade on issues

Maenga ole Kisotu another leader echoed Sencho’s sentiments saying there were 18 pending issues that they wanted addressed.

“We want an MoU with KenGen as we fear they might renegade on some issues we have agreed on,” he said.

Kisotu said they wanted scholarships for four students from the community every year as long as the company operates from the area.

Other issues the community raised include land for the cultural centre, access roads and employment.

Contacted on phone, KenGen communications officer Kaara Wainaina downplayed the incident saying that major issues had already been agreed on.

There is already one georthermal power station in Naivasha — the Olkaria II Geothermal Power Plant. (pictured).

“We have agreed on nearly all the issues they are demanding and KenGen is ready to discuss the MoU with members of the community,” he said. The resettlement has been sponsored by the World Bank and is targeting 107 families living in Olkaria.