Governor Kihika meets GDC over Menengai West land dispute as 163,000 residents fear displacement

The long-running land dispute between the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) and residents of Menengai West Ward was once again in the spotlight during a meeting between Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and a company delegation.

In July, Mtaa Wangu first highlighted the residents’ plight, reporting that more than 163,000 people in Olrongai were facing possible displacement to make way for the second phase of the GDC's projects in the area.

The community has consistently raised concerns, with fears of losing their ancestral land being at the forefront.

Following the meeting, Governor Kihika issued a statement acknowledging the economic potential of geothermal development and the local concerns associated with it.

"While we are proud that the exploitation of geothermal potential in our county, both at Olkaria and Menengai, is rapidly positioning Nakuru as a regional economic hub, we are aware that the geothermal resource is deeply rooted in our local context," the statement read.

She also sought to reassure the residents, promising that their voices would be included in the decision-making process.

"We will safeguard the interests of the local community by including them in consultative processes, balancing the need to harness geothermal potential with the welfare, land rights and safety of the local community in Menengai West and the surrounding areas of Subukia and Bahati sub-counties," governor Kihika.

Governor Kihika also announced that, as part of a wider consultative process, she and GDC officials would visit the proposed site within the next two weeks.

This follows a visit by the National Environmental Complaints Committee (NECC) on August 25, 2025, during which residents presented their grievances. At the time, they expressed hope that the intervention would escalate their concerns to the national government and lead to a fair resolution.

Despite the reassurances, residents of Olrongai say their fears remain deeply rooted. Many are still concerned about the possibility of being displaced, as there is no clear guarantee that they will be allowed to stay in their homes.