Kiraitu appoints team to hasten coal exploration
An excavator loads coal at Macarthur Coal’s Moorvale mine in Australia.
What you need to know:
- The team’s work will involve advocacy, education and analysis of matters pertaining to coal business and main-streaming the energy resource projects into community initiatives.
- Earlier this month, a tender to award rights to mine coal in blocks A and B in the same basin attracted 18 companies with experience in coal exploration, coal-fired power generation, geological and prospecting know-how.
- Two weeks ago, the High Court in Machakos issued an order restraining Energy permanent secretary Patrick Nyoike and Attorney-General Githu Muigai from signing any agreements with Fenxi Mining Industry Company that won a contract to mine in Kitui County’s Mui Basin.
Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi has appointed a team to fast-track the development of coal resources in Mui Basin, Kitui County.
In a Gazette notice on Friday, Mr Murungi appointed a 13-member committee to spearhead the coal development project in Blocks C and D for a term of three years.
“For the purposes of realising Kenya’s Vision 2030 and to fast-track development of coal resources in order to enhance the production of affordable, reliable, commercial and industrial energy, (the minister) establishes a committee to be known as Mui Basin Coal Project Blocks C and D Liaison Committee,” the notice by Mr Murungi (right) reads in part.
Its members are Mr Eric Kyalo Mutua, Mr Titus Kivaa Mbiti, Mr Paul Mumo Kisau, Mr Gideon Wathe Nzau, Ms Florence Mutawali Kitonga, Ms Patricia Kisio Kimanzi, Mr Joseph Muthi Nzuni, Ms Margaret Munyoki, Mr Solomon Kimanzi Kivoto, Ms Eunice Kelly Wambua, Mr David Kilonzi Maweu, Mr John Kimakio Mutia and Nzomo Mulatia.
The team’s work will involve advocacy, education and analysis of matters pertaining to coal business and main-streaming the energy resource projects into community initiatives.
Prospecting know-how
Mining rights for coal in blocks C and D in Mui Basin have already been awarded to Chinese firm, Fenxi Industry Mining Group.
Earlier this month, a tender to award rights to mine coal in blocks A and B in the same basin attracted 18 companies with experience in coal exploration, coal-fired power generation, geological and prospecting know-how.
Before the tender award, each company is expected to show their ability to raise approximately Sh16.8 billion ($200 million) for the project as well as capital base and annual revenues of about Sh8.4 billion ($100 million).
Two weeks ago, the High Court in Machakos issued an order restraining Energy permanent secretary Patrick Nyoike and Attorney-General Githu Muigai from signing any agreements with Fenxi Mining Industry Company that won a contract to mine in Kitui County’s Mui Basin. (READ: Nyoike ordered not to enter into coal deal)
