Determinants Of Community Development In Extractive Projects: A Case Of Mui Basin Kitui Coal Mines In Kenya

Abstract

This study examined how the employment, pollution, government regulations and social amenities as a result of extractive projects manifest in a community and contribute to their development. The study mainly took place at the Mui Basin Kitui Mines and was anchored in Communicative Action Theory. Descriptive survey research design was used to carry out the study, whereby information was collected without changing or manipulating the environment. Mui Basin Coal mines are divided into four blocks. The study targeted respondents from Block A, B, C and D, which consisted of a total population estimated at about 155,896 people. Johnson‟s 1959 model was used to calculate the sample size. The sample size included 100 respondents, comprising of 50 males and 50 females. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used in data analysis and findings presented using frequency distribution tables and inferential statistics. It concluded that employment is the most crucial determinant of community development in Mui Basin extractive project. Additionally, that Mui Coal Project had no positive impact on the establishment of new social amenities in the area as a form of community development. Pollution was extremely evident. The local communities at Mui Basin were vulnerable to the release of toxins into the air and water. Further, the Kenyan Government was increasingly under pressure to show positive impacts of the mining project, from exploration to mine closure, from local residents of Mui Basin through interest groups. The Kenyan Mining Bill 2014 was well instigated, where social responsibility to the local communities should be carried out and a CDA implemented. It was recommended that the government re-assesses the social and environmental impact of the Coal Mines and identify practical mitigation measures that need to be integrated into the project to curb immense pollution. Further, for the State to take advantage of the opportunity to develop social amenities such as schools and roads within the area.