Building of Sh72bn Marsabit plant to cut cost of power: Uhuru
What you need to know:
- Speaking in Marsabit, President Kenyatta said the building of the Sh72 billion Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, which is expected to inject 310 megawatts to the national grid would attract investors.
- President Kenyatta said the region is slowly gaining international recognition because of the project and the discovery of oil.
- On April 20, Justice Peter Njoroge of the Meru Environment and Land Court allowed an out-of-court settlement after the petitioners’ advocate informed the court that the parties had reached the consent.
The construction of one of Africa’s biggest power projects in Marsabit will broaden Kenya’s energy base and reduce reliance on hydro and geothermal plants, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
Speaking in Marsabit, President Kenyatta said the building of the Sh72 billion Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, which is expected to inject 310 megawatts to the national grid would attract investors.
“The project in Loyangalani would be a game changer in Africa’s energy sector by providing power using clean, stable and green resources. The cost of power would be cut drastically,” he said.
The plant is among key green energy projects listed by the government under the plan to increase the national power generation capacity by 5,000 megawatts by the end of next year.
Billed as the largest private investment in Kenya, the project is intended to reduce the cost of electricity by half.
“We want to get rid of geothermal power production. This would pull in more investments in other major cities,” he said.
The Head of State said the project would open up northern Kenya.
President Kenyatta said the region is slowly gaining international recognition because of the project and the discovery of oil.
He said the project will boost the economy of Loyangalani and also create employment for residents.
So far, 530 locals have been directly employed. The President said an additional 1,200 would be hired as the construction work progresses.
“We must work harmoniously. We need to engage the residents in investment plans and local projects. The Marsabit County Government has to put in place sound measures to get maximum opportunities from this project,” he said.
The President said the National Government would work with governors from northern Kenya to ensure the region is transformed.
Presently, the power project is restricted to only 87.5 acres, initially, pending the hearing and determination of the case filed at the High Court in Meru by a group of residents who are opposed to it.
The applicants are Mr Mohamud Iltarakwa Kochale, Kochale Somo Jale, Issa Jitewe Gambare, David Tamasot Arakhole, Willian Legoyiap, and Sekotey Seye. They represent the Rendille, Samburu, El Molo and Turkana communities.
The court has given one more month to parties involved in the suit to conclude an out-of-court settlement.
On April 20, Justice Peter Njoroge of the Meru Environment and Land Court allowed an out-of-court settlement after the petitioners’ advocate informed the court that the parties had reached the consent.
The parties have until July 27, when they will appear in court for further directions. The judge directed the company to continue honouring court orders by limiting its operations within the specified areas.
At the same time, President Kenyatta raised concern over incessant cases of cattle rustling, which he said impedes development in the region.
“You are educated yet you have not left the age-old tradition of stealing cattle. You surprise us. I urge residents to stop involving themselves in cattle rustling and embrace other economic activities,” he said.