of Kenya and Ethiopia in order to advise on an SEA for the construction of a series of dams in the Omo river. These dams are important to enable Ethiopia to meet the growing demand for electricity at home and for export to neighbouring countries. The Omo river is also an umbilical cord for Lake Turkana, a large desert lake in the arid north of Kenya that local Kenyans are dependent on. The possible consequences of the dams on the water supply are causing concern, especially because of the long drought in this area. These concerns can be analysed in the SEA. As good participation is one of the three mainstays of environmental assessment, it creates support together with transparency and quality of information, which results in fewer conflicts. The NCEA can indeed play a role in this. Our independence, the fact that we do not have a stake in the projects we advise on, helps ensure that our recommendations are accepted by all parties.” Have stakeholders ever rejected the NCEA’s judgement? “No, I can’t recall our recommendations ever being rejected by stakeholders. They’re not always welcomed, but that’s a different story.” 7
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