Thursday, January 2, 2020

Kenya: Cheaper Electricity from Geothermal Power Helps Economic Development of Naivasha

Naivasha shakes off ugly past to become an investment hub (The Standard)

According to economic expert Washington Ochieng', the availability of key resources like cheap geothermal power, vast land and accessibility to Nairobi have contributed to the influx of investors in Naivasha.

“Currently the biggest challenge facing manufacturers is the high electricity charges and if they can get it cheaper in Naivasha using the geothermal power, then this is the place to be,” he says, adding that the coming years will see companies relocate from Nairobi, Thika, Mombasa and Eldoret to Naivasha.

Extension of the Standard Gauge Railway line from Nairobi to Mai Mahiu-Naivasha and next to the industrial park has turned out to be a major incentive to the investors.

A few kilometres from the park and within Kedong Ranch, Akiira Geothermal Company has acquired 1,000 acres and are in the process of putting up a Sh9.8 billion geothermal plant.

“This project, apart from producing clean energy, will go a long way in addressing the issue of cheaper electricity and creating more job opportunities,” said the company's spokesman, Anthony Kahindi.

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