HerDithy

  For centuries, coal has been an essential source of energy globally. Its use dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for heating and cooking. It wasn't until the Industrial Revolution that coal emerged as a vital energy source for industrial processes, such as steam power. Even today, coal remains an important energy source for electricity generation and industrial processes worldwide. Coal originated from the Carboniferous period, around 360 to 290 million years ago, when vast forests covered the Earth. Over time, these forests' remains were buried under sediment, transforming into coal. Some coal deposits were eventually pushed to the surface due to the Earth's tectonic plates' shifting, leading to the development of coal mining as an industry. Despite Kenya having significant coal deposits in the Mui Basin in Kitui County, the development of coal energy has faced numerous challenges such as environmental concerns, land acquisition issues, and resista...