ABSTRACT

The development of geothermal energy installations generates varied conflicts in Kenya that often escalate because of improper management. Yet, these developmental project conflict dynamics remain poorly understood. To better understand the dynamics of these conflicts, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the Olkaria IV project-affected persons (PAPs) household heads using questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The qualitative data was arranged into socioeconomic, cultural, environmental and political themes and the proportion of respondents within each theme was calculated. The triggers for the conflicts included inadequate communication and participation in decision-making, unsatisfactory relocation logistics, and unfulfilled compensation promises. Also, the formulation and implementation of the resettlement action plan was inadequately negotiated with the PAPs. The effects of the conflicts on the PAPs’ livelihoods were severe. The conflicts were managed mainly through competition and avoidance strategies. Subsequent dissatisfaction on the part of the PAPs led to unrest that almost derailed the project. Planners need to be inclusive of the local community in the design of large development projects. Inclusiveness in planning would secure community buy-in, remove unrealistic pledges or expectations, and smoothen project implementation.

摘要

地热能装置的开发在肯尼亚产生了各种各样的冲突，由于管理不当，这些冲突经常升级。然而，这些发展项目的冲突动态仍然知之甚少。为了更好地了解这些冲突的动态，我们使用问卷调查、焦点小组讨论和关键知情人访谈从奥尔卡里亚 IV 项目受影响者 (PAP) 的户主那里收集了定量和定性数据。定性数据被安排成社会经济、文化、环境和政治主题，并计算每个主题内的受访者比例。冲突的触发因素包括沟通和决策参与不足、搬迁物流不理想以及补偿承诺未兑现。还，移民安置行动计划的制定和实施与受影响人的谈判不充分。冲突对受影响人口生计的影响是严重的。冲突主要通过竞争和回避策略进行管理。随后部分受影响人的不满导致了动乱，几乎使项目脱轨。规划者需要在大型开发项目的设计中包括当地社区。规划中的包容性将确保社区的认同，消除不切实际的承诺或期望，并使项目实施顺利进行。随后部分受影响人的不满导致了动乱，几乎使项目脱轨。规划者需要在大型开发项目的设计中包括当地社区。规划中的包容性将确保社区的认同，消除不切实际的承诺或期望，并使项目实施顺利进行。随后部分受影响人的不满导致了动乱，几乎使项目脱轨。规划者需要在大型开发项目的设计中包括当地社区。规划中的包容性将确保社区的认同，消除不切实际的承诺或期望，并使项目实施顺利进行。