A Review of the Quality of Environmental and Social Impact Statements: The Case of Geothermal Energy Projects in Kenya

Evaluation of the quality of Environmental and Social Impact Statements (ESISs) for proposed development action is vital in ascertaining their fitness in informing critical decisions on a proposed development action. In this paper, we present findings of an evaluation of the quality of fifteen (15) ESISs for the geothermal energy resource projects in Kenya in the period 1994-2019. The review which was based on the Lee and Colley Review Package (LCRP), involved a systematic evaluation of how well a number of assessment tasks were performed in four (4) review areas, 13 categories and 40 subcategories. Starting from the lowest level and moving systematically up the hierarchy, the review involved evaluating how well a number of assessment tasks were performed. The quality of each review subcategory within a particular category was assessed. The subcategory assessment results and the relevant impression gained from the ESIS were then used to assess the review category. The result of the assessment of the review category was used to assess each review area of the ESIS. The overall quality of the ESIS was derived from the outcome of the assessment of each of the review areas by considering the main strengths and weaknesses. Results showed seven percent (7%) of the ESISs were of excellent quality, 20% were good, 53% were acceptable, and 13% were of poor quality. Six percent (6%) were of excellent quality in three (3) review areas of identification & evaluation of key impacts, presentation of impact statement and description of the development and baseline conditions. Eighty percent (80%) were of good quality in the review area of the description of the development and baseline conditions, while 60% were of good quality in the review area of the presentation of the impact statement. Six per cent (6%) were of very poor quality in the review area of the environmental and social management plan and follow-up. Inadequacies and gaps identified in subcategories that constitute consultation and public participation, impact identification and analysis of alternatives, and environmental and social management plans can be addressed by target training of Impact Assessment Practitioners (IAPs) and strengthening of legislation on public participation. This will contribute to improving the quality of future ESISs while supporting better-informed environmental and social decisions regarding proposed development actions