United States of America ambassador Robert Godec on Wednesday launched a Sh14.8 Billion energy power plant in Kenya backing the Power Africa initiative.
Ambassador Godec also introduced a guide which is expected to help energy projects in the country to effectively communicate and engage the local communities so as to fast-track the planning and their implementation.
Power Africa was established in 2013 in African countries to reduce reliance on the expensive diesel-fuelled generation and other high-cost fossil resources.
In Kenya, the Power Africa has previously been supporting the development of the energy sector through financing, grants, technical assistance, and investment promotion.
[caption caption="Geothermal plant."]
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Godec commented that the launch of the energy plan and the blueprint of the guide is a critical addition to the US' Power Africa partnership.
Power Africa in Kenya has always been coordinated by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
According to Godec, a number of power projects in Kenya have been facing significant delays while others have completely failed to take off because of resistance from the community.
Something that has been attributed to the undue misunderstanding and lack of appreciation by initiators of the projects on how to engage the community.
Energy CS Charles Keter asserted that the government supports all efforts to develop electricity infrastructure in a way that respects the values and traditions of the country’s diverse communities.
[caption caption="Energy CS Charles Keter"]
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Godec cited examples of the Kinangop Wind Park, which was backed by a joint venture between Macquarie Group and Old Mutual Investment Group in 2016 and was cancelled due to opposition from local landowners and farmers.
During the launch, the US Ambassador to Kenya noted that Kenya is a leader in the region in the provision of reliable and adequate energy.
Mr Godec, however, highlighted that the need to streamline engagement with the local communities is so that they can buy the projects that are meant to increase power generation and connectivity across the country.
Also in attendance of the launch was Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
