President William Ruto, on Tuesday, June 20, directed Energy Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, to organise free chopper rides for investors to sightsee different projects in the country.
Speaking during the 25th Africa Energy Forum in Nairobi, Ruto offered the delegates an opportunity to enjoy state resources while seeking investment opportunities.
The Ksh600 million geothermal power plant in Olkaria, was in line to host the first set of investors in Ruto's public relations strategy.
“Lake Turkana wind power project has a capacity of 310 megawatts and is the largest in our continent. The CS will arrange to take you to Olkaria. I suggest he also puts together a plane to take people to this great project.
“I am saying this because I know that there are men and women in this room who are looking for investment opportunities in our country and continent,” Ruto stated.
Additionally, the Head of State lauded his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, for launching the project, adding that it was one of the largest electricity generation facilities in the country.
“Decades ago, Kenya boldly invested in developing renewable energy potential when it was not fashionable to do so.
“The decision has paid off. Renewable sources form 73 per cent of our installed electricity generation capacity. Kenya has learnt from this development that it is possible to achieve ambitious goals while maintaining clean, green energy commitment,” he added.
At the same time, Ruto lauded the Wind Resource Atlas, which according to the Ministry of Energy, was developed in 2013 with statistics collected from 95 wind data loggers countrywide.
"It shows proven wind energy potential of 30,000 megawatts with 346 per square metre and speeds of over 5 meters per second. A wind resource atlas is available to show high-value wind power prospects.
“I want to direct that the Atlas be made available for you to tour and see the sites,' Ruto added.
He proceeded to invite the investors to partner with the government in other projects across the country, including an off-grid solar access project, and core power generation in sugarcane factories in Western Kenya, among others.
"A Kenya off-grid solar access project is under implementation but governing 14 underserved counties. There is potential to expand the coverage to other needy counties, and we welcome investments and partners in any framework that can be negotiated.
"There is also tremendous geothermal potential on offer for investment. 300 megawatts potential sugarcane factories in Western Kenya are also available," the Head of State added.
Ruto encouraged investors to fund projects nationwide with an eye on green and clean energy, which has put Kenya on the global map.
“Africa is heavily endowed with clean, green and renewable energy sources and the essential minerals required by the global energy transition that humanity must undertake to avert a climate catastrophe.
“There is a perception that development and green energy cannot coexist. If you had any doubt as to whether it was possible to pursue meaningful development with green energy, you need not look further. Kenya is a good example.
As of November 2022, renewable energy sources generated over 80 per cent of Kenya's electricity, with the country said to be on its way to transitioning to 100 per cent clean energy by 2030.
