Naivasha leaders protest Narok MP's 'interference' in geothermal project

Plans to generate 58 megawatts of electricity from the geothermal-rich area of Naivasha are facing delays due to political interference from leaders in Narok County.

In response, the Naivasha sub-county security team has issued a warning to a Member of Parliament—whose name was not disclosed—from Narok, urging him to stay away from the multi-billion-shilling project being developed by a private company.

The MP and some of his constituents have been accused of obstructing the project, which aims to harness steam from 14 wellheads for sale to the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen). This interference has caused significant delays in its implementation.

As concern mounts, dozens of families affected by the project are calling on the national government to intervene. They say the ongoing dispute is creating unnecessary anxiety and discouraging potential investors.

Community leader Mwangi Sururu voiced strong support for the project but expressed concern over the interference from Narok politicians. He noted that the project is located in Nakuru County and questioned why the Narok East MP was getting involved.

“We fully support this project, even though it affects local residents. We urge the Narok East MP to focus on issues in his own constituency and to stay out of Naivasha,” he said.

Mr Sururu also called on Naivasha MP Jane Kihara and the county government to take a stand against the interference, emphasising that local communities should be the first to benefit from the project.

Kraison Matayo echoed these sentiments, accusing some neighbouring residents of trying to derail the project for selfish reasons. He affirmed their commitment to ensuring the project succeeds.

“When the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passed through Narok, local residents benefitted while we watched. We will not allow outsiders to interfere with this project, which is meant to help our community and the nation,” he stated.

Agnes Leshishi, a resident affected by the project, expressed confusion over the actions of some Narok residents.

“This problem stems from one person who wants to control everything, even though he is neither a local leader nor is his constituency affected,” she said.

Another community leader, Memuse Ole Kisotu, also declared full support for the project. He added that the local community should benefit from the 6,000 acres of land that the President promised to acquire from Kedong.

Naivasha Deputy County Commissioner Josiah Odongo confirmed the impasse and warned that the government would not tolerate political interference.

“There are politicians from Narok trying to derail this crucial project, and we will not accept any obstruction of national development initiatives,” he said.