"Renewable Energy Projects and the Rights of Marginalised/Indigenous Communities in Kenya", 20 Nov 2015

The fact that energy projects are green does not necessarily mean they accept and protect internationally-recognised human rights norms. This report documents the adverse impact of Kenya’s goal to develop its renewable energy sector on indigenous peoples. It looks particularly at the geothermal and wind energy sectors in Kenya and describes the human rights impacts of a number of green energy projects on the local indigenous communities. It analyses the State’s responsibility to prevent human rights abuses by third parties and the renewable energy sector’s duty to respect human rights in accordance with international standards, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Finally, the report offers the renewable energy sector guidance on what elements to include in a Human Rights Impact Assessment in order to ensure that a project is successful and that unforeseen social conflicts and risk of failure are avoided. [Also refers to Africa Geothermal International, Geothermal Development Corporation, Kedong Ranch Ltd., KENGEN, Kipeto Energy Limited, and Lake Turkana Wind Power Ltd.]