Socio-economic aspects of geothermal development - a case study of Olkaria geothermal project in Kenya

Abstract

Kenya Electricity Generating Company Ltd. (KenGen) is the leading electric power generator in Kenya producing about 75% of the total installed capacity. The government of Kenya has in the recent past supported geothermal development in the country owing to its renewal nature and not affected by the vagaries of climate change. The development of geothermal energy presents both positive and negative socio-economic impacts like any other project development. Some of the positive impacts include employment creation, infrastructure development and knowledge transfer among others. Some of the negative impacts include disruption of social networks arising from resettlement of projects affected persons, increase of crime, erosion of culture and HIV and AIDS prevalence. In line with the sustainable development goals, this paper discusses socio-economic impacts associated with geothermal energy utilization in Kenya using Olkaria geothermal project as a case study.