35-Megawatt Power Plant to reduce the cost of power

Written by Roy Lumbe

The County Government of Nakuru in collaboration with Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is working to set up the Green Industrialization Taskforce (GIT) to spearhead accelerated development of industries, which would take advantage of the green energy and other resources within the county.

The main objective of the initiative is to leverage Nakuru’s natural resources to accelerate industrialization, provide employment, improve the quality of life, and support national development through enhanced participation in the growth of the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Governor Susan Kihika in her speech during the groundbreaking of the 35 Megawatt (MW) Power Plant at the Menegai Geothermal Project said the plan will complement the new initiatives such as County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) commonly known as the Egerton Agro-City Park being set up at Njoro, in partnership with Egerton University and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.

Kihika joined Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, United Kingdom High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Energy Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir, Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, Members of Parliament Tabitha Karanja (Senator), Liza Chelule (Women Rep), Irene Njoki (Bahati), Samuel Gachobe (Subukia), Charity Kathambi (Njoro), Government Officials and MCAs.

Upon completion, she revealed that the project being undertaken by Gloebeleq Geothermal Limited Kenya in collaboration with Geothermal Development Corporation will leverage the County’s natural resources to accelerate industrialization and provide employment.

“The launch of today’s power project marks the initial utilization of the 105 MW of steam here in Menengai. We are eagerly awaiting the finalization of other phases of the Menengai Geothermal Project whose net effect will be to increase the attractiveness of Nakuru County as a power generating region,” said Kihika.

Kihika expressed confidence that the attraction of Independent Power Producers such as Sosian Energy and others is a clear vindication that Nakuru has in place an enabling environment for local and international investments in energy generation and other sectors.

“I am glad to report that in addition to an enabling environment for investment, we have developed business-friendly policies and regulations to attract more investors in manufacturing and industry,” she said.

She said the county has requested technical assistance from Power Africa under the aegis of the United States Agency for International Development ( USAID) and we are exploring bringing on board more partners to fully realize the endeavour, for a Green County.

“We are confident that in the fullness of time, the phased targets of the initiative will deliver to us a County which is an industrial hub with food security, employment, and a development agricultural base as collateral advantages,” said Kihika.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguacommended GDC for their tremendous work in unlocking Kenya’s green and powerful power potential saying the government will continue to support the company effectively as it pushes to exploit the full potential.

He lauded the partners for their continued investment in the country urging the contracted company to work with speed and ensure the project is concluded in the stipulated time to reduce the cost of power.