Maasai demand jobs in geothermal-rich Olkaria - The Standard
Maasai Community Demands in Olkaria
The Maasai community residing in the geothermal-rich areas of Olkaria and Narasha in Naivasha, Kenya, is demanding equal access to job and business opportunities stemming from the region's geothermal projects. They assert their continued support for government initiatives only if their interests are equally considered.
Concerns and Demands
Community leaders like Duncan Sencho highlight that a small group has historically benefited from the region's geothermal wealth, while thousands remain excluded. The community calls for the families affected by these projects to be prioritized as beneficiaries.
- Concerns were raised about individuals profiting at the expense of the wider community.
- A demand for representation of seven affected villages in the liaison committee was made.
- Calls for an end to the politicization of the projects to maintain investor confidence were voiced.
Project Impact and Allegations
The ongoing 58mw geothermal project is at the heart of the issue. Allegations of interference from Narok County leaders were refuted by local Maasai youth, who emphasized that their community is also affected and deserves benefits.
Members of the Maasai community hold a peaceful demonstration on 12/5/25 in support of an incoming 58mw geothermal plant in Olkaria, Naivasha. [Photo/Antony Gitonga]
Members of the Maasai community in geothermal-rich areas of Olkaria and Narasha in Naivasha have called for equal job and business opportunities.
The community claimed they would continue supporting government projects on condition they are equally recognised.
The move comes days after a section of residents accused leaders from nearby Narok County of interfering with an upcoming 58mw geothermal project.
A community leader Duncan Sencho, said for years a small group of people had benefited from various projects in the area that has over 10,000mw of geothermal power.
He noted that the geothermal projects affected residents of both Narok and Nakuru, thus the need to give them job opportunities.
“We welcome all upcoming projects in the area, mainly those targeting geothermal exploration and all the families that have been affected should be the first beneficiaries,” he said.
Speaking in Naivasha, Sencho hit out at some individuals who wanted to continue benefiting from the projects at the expense of the whole community.
This was echoed by Jackson Tolinge who said there were seven villages in the geothermal rich area hosting tens of families.
Tolinge said some geothermal projects were on the border of Nakuru and Narok counties and all members of the community should benefit.
“The community has suffered due to misrepresentation and we are demanding that representatives of the seven villages be represented in the liaison committee,” he said.
He also called on local leaders to stop politicising the projects as this would erode investors’ confidence.
A youth leader Jose Letaya defended leaders from Narok amid allegations that they were interfering with the proposed 58mw production adding that they were also affected.
“The people of Narasha and Olkaria have been affected by the proposed geothermal project and members of the community should also benefit,” he said.
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