Frankline Ndi (Project C02 “Energy Futures”) was awarded the International Paper Award of the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn for his publication Land acquisition, renewable energy development, and livelihood transformation in rural Kenya: The case of the Kipeto wind energy project, published in Energy Research & Social Science.
The award ceremony with short presentations by the awardees will take place on November 5, 2025 as part of the “Wednesdays at GIUB” lecture series. In his article, Ndi examines the Kipeto wind energy project in Kenya and challenges the common narrative of “accumulation by dispossession,” arguing that land acquisition for renewable energy can occur without displacing communities if fair compensation and inclusive negotiations are ensured. The article highlights how strategic engagement with local communities facilitated land access and social acceptance, though concerns over compensation remain.
In this blog post, Ndi reflects on the process of doing research on renewable-energy projects in Kenya, which ultimately lead to the publication, in Energy Resarch & Social Science.
Reference
Ndi, F.A. 2024. Land acquisition, renewable energy development, and livelihood transformation in rural Kenya: The case of the Kipeto wind energy project. Energy Research & Social Science, 112, 103530. DOI
