- Client
- ARISE IIP
- Sector
- Industrial & infrastructure development
- Location
- Naivasha, Kenya
- Year
- 2025
Biodiversity and carbon risk assessment for a new Special Economic Zone in Kenya
We showed ARISE IIP where its planned industrial zone near Lake Naivasha faces ecological, water and carbon risks, while there is still time to design around them.
Grey crowned cranes, an Endangered species found in Kenya's grasslands and wetlands. © iStock
737 ha
Special Economic Zone assessed
10 km
area of influence screened
3
IFC Performance Standards applied
The challenge
ARISE IIP is planning a 737-hectare Special Economic Zone near Mai Mahiu in Kenya's Rift Valley. The site lies close to Lake Naivasha, a Ramsar site and Key Biodiversity Area, and to Hell's Gate and Mount Longonot National Parks. ARISE IIP needed to understand its ecological, water and carbon risks early, in line with IFC Performance Standards 6, 7 and 8 and Kenyan law.
What we did
We assessed the site and a 10 km area of influence, mapping ecoregions, land cover, protected areas and predicted species richness. We reviewed the relevant Kenyan legislation, built a risk register for the site, and estimated existing carbon stocks using IPCC default values. Our recommended studies are designed to sit within the developer's HSE and E&S management systems, so they can be delivered safely as the project moves into construction planning.
The outcome
ARISE IIP received a clear risk picture and practical design recommendations, including vegetation retention, green buffers, ravine restoration and carbon-sensitive planning. It also has a list of further studies needed to meet IFC standards, so these can be built into the project plan early rather than discovered late.
