Japan pledges help in power generation

By Antony Gitonga

The Japanese government has pledged to assist Kenya in the generation of 560 megawatts of power to add to the country’s national grid.

The donors have also pledged to train 30 more Kenyans in the field of petroleum exploration as the country gears towards increasing its power production.

The move comes barely one month after the country received a grant of Sh1.2 billion from the Japanese government towards training of staff.

According to the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Energy Davis Chirchir, plans were underway for the construction of the 560 megawatt plant.

He said that the plant would be constructed in the geothermal rich area of Olkaria in Naivasha.

“The Japanese government has agreed to sponsor the plant as we gear towards increasing our power production in line with Vision 2030,” he said.

Chirchir was addressing the press in Naivasha after leading a delegation from Japan on a tour of ongoing works in Olkaria.

The delegation included Japan’s minister for trade and economy and other investors who are in the country for three days.

“A few months ago the country benefited from a Sh1.2 billion grant from the Japan government and they have promised to sponsor the teaching of more staff in the petroleum sector,” he said.

Fast-track production

Chirchir noted that the government was committed to increasing power production by a further 5,000 megawatts in the next forty months.

He said the power would be generated from geothermal, coal and liquefied gas.

Chirchir 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.