"The Tension between Human Rights & Development: A Case of Lapsset in Isiolo County"

Kenya’s Vision 2030 and all its flagship projects are envisaged to spur rapid economic growth and steer the country into a middle-income economy by the year 2030. The LAPSSET Corridor Projects (LCPs) which includes a port in Lamu, resort cities, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and upgrading of the Isiolo Airport to international standards among others, is part of the programme. This study sought to examine the effects of LAPSSET project on economic and socio-cultural rights of the communities living along the LAPSSET corridor in Isiolo County.

The study established that the communities along the LAPSSET corridor projects had not been sensitized about the projects. They were not informed about the impacts that the project would have on their lives. In addition, they were not adequately involved in various stages of project implementation. Although information dissemination forums were organized occasionally in Isiolo Town by LCDA, majority of the residents are still speculating on the main route the corridor will be taking, who among them would be affected and how they would be compensated. The study established that the mega projects had not enhanced any basic social services; instead, these services are further threatened through effects like noise pollution and strained access to basic services due to the influx of people.