Kenya's bid to establish a stable power supply on Wednesday, March 15, received a shot in the arm after the government signed a deal that would lead to the development of a 300 megawatts power hub.
President William Ruto witnessed the signing of the agreement between Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), an Australian-based energy firm, in efforts to increase power production in Ol Karia's geothermal plant.
Also present during the signing was Treasury CS Prof Njuguna Ndung'u.
According to a Statement from State House, the project will boost the supply of power to Kenya's grid hence enhancing power efficiency in the country.
The government lauded the deal as a step forward in its endeavours aimed at accelerating the phasing out of fossil fuels and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a global leader in renewable energy.
Ruto noted that the project will contribute to Kenya's efforts of reducing greenhouse gas emissions amid the global campaign encouraging countries across the globe to embrace green energy production.
Besides enhancing the power supply to the national grid, the project will boost the development of a fertilizer manufacturing plant aimed at availing fertilizers to Kenyan farmers.
The plant, according to State House, will enhance Kenya's agricultural activities while at the same time reducing the effects of greenhouse gases emitted through conventional means of producing fertilizers.
"In addition to contributing to Kenya’s economy and food security, this project and subsequent developments will contribute to greening agriculture and meeting Kenya’s greenhouse gas reduction commitments," the statement read in part.
According to the statement, the fertilizer plant would be the first of the three planned green energy and manufacturing investments in Kenya by the Australian company.
The announcement came amid government's efforts to upscale local manufacturing of fertilizer in a bid to boost food production and lower production costs which culminate in food inflation.
President Ruto's government has also been resolute in increasing power production in line with the manifesto goals of ensuring reliable and affordable energy.
Kenya's total power generation stood at 2,990 megawatts in 2021, hence underlining the significance of the additional 300 megawatts to the national grid.
