14 August 2013, Nairobi – The Japanese government will help Kenya generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. The donor country which has played a key role in various geothermal projects in the country promised to fund planned works for the 560mw plants in Naivasha subject to competitive bidding.
Energy Cabinet secretary Davis Chirchir said plans were underway for the construction of the plant. Chirchir said the plant will be constructed in Olkaria Naivasha. “The Japanese government has agreed to sponsor the 560mw plant as we gear towards increasing our power production in line with Vision 2030,” he said.
The CS was addressing the press in Naivasha after leading high powered delegation from Japan to a tour of ongoing works in Olkaria. The delegation included the country’s minister for trade and economy and other investors who are in the country for three days. He thanked the Japanese government for the continued support noting that Kenya had benefited a lot in terms of grants.
“A few months ago the country benefited from a Sh1.2 billion grant from the Japan government and have promised to sponsor the learning of more staff in the petroleum sector,” he said. Chirchir said the government will increase power production by a further 5,000mw in the next forty months.
He said the power will be generated from geothermal, coal and liquefied gas to meet rising demands. Chircgir said the country had fast tracked power production and was seeking funding from Japan under the Toyko agreement which seeks to help various African countries.
“We are planning to increase out power production by 5,000mw and the Japanese government has agreed to also assist us in power production from coal,” he said.
– The Star
