Ruto steps in to rescue Sh13bn wind power plant

What you need to know:

  • The Deputy President’s comments came a few days after Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir called on leaders and those implementing the project to end the stalemate by engaging farmers and other stakeholders in dialogue.
  • It will be one of the largest wind power generation projects in Sub-Saharan Africa when complete.
  • They met Governor Daniel Waithaka Mwangi, County Commissioner Wilson Njega and Senator Muriuki Karue to see how issues arising from the plant could be addressed.

The government has stepped in to calm the storm over the construction of a wind energy plant in Kinangop.

Deputy President William Ruto urged leaders resolve issues surrounding the wind park firm.

“The wind park will cost Sh13 billion and it will create wealth by generating power. It is the wish of the government to see it take off immediately,” he said when presiding over a funds drive at Pondo Primary School in Ndaragwa Constituency on Saturday.

The money raised is for the proposed Aberdare Teachers Training College.

He said agitators would face the law.

“Politicians inciting citizens should know that we will face them. Nobody will be spared,” Mr Ruto said.

The Deputy President’s comments came a few days after Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir called on leaders and those implementing the project to end the stalemate by engaging farmers and other stakeholders in dialogue.

ADDRESS MISTRUST

Speaking at a Naivasha hotel after meeting leaders from the county last week, Mr Chirchir said the government was keen to implement the wind park but said mistrust and other suspicion must be addressed first.

“The 61 MW wind project will generate enough renewable power that could benefit up to 150,000 homes in Kenya,” Mr Chirchir said.

He added that the private investor building the park would create direct and indirect jobs and attract other investors into the county.

It will be one of the largest wind power generation projects in Sub-Saharan Africa when complete.

MAN SHOT DEAD

Mr Chirchir acknowledged that there were challenges in implementing the project because of a communication breakdown between Kinangop Windpark Ltd, leaders and farmers.

A 19-year-old man died on Thursday after being shot by police when residents held demonstrations against the park.

The CS was accompanied by Energy Principal Secretary Joseph Njoroge.

They met Governor Daniel Waithaka Mwangi, County Commissioner Wilson Njega and Senator Muriuki Karue to see how issues arising from the plant could be addressed.

Others at the meeting were Deputy Governor Waithaka Mwangi Kirika, Kinangop MP Stephen Mburu, Naivasha MP John Kihagi, MCAs and Windpark Ltd representatives.