The energy sector plays a key role in enabling the unlock of EAC’s economies for the benefit of integration. Legislators are thus calling for concerted efforts to bridge the energy deficit in the region through the sustained use of clean and renewable energy.
EALA late yesterday visited the Olkaria Geothermal Project in Naivasha, Nakuru County and lauded the contribution of the power plant in meeting the needs of the region. The Assistant General Manager at the Olkaria Geothermal Project, Paul Ouma, remarked that the company is expected to double its production of geothermal energy in the next four months.
Mr Ouma noted that the Olkaria Plant which currently produces 280MW is set to expand following the fastracking of the expansion of geothermal energy by the Ministry of Energy and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN).
He informed EALA of the high potential areas that are yet to be fully exploited as Suswa, Longonot, Eburu and Silali.Under its expansion strategy, KENGEN plans to produce 1250MW from geothermal resource by the year 2018, Mr. Ouma stated.
On her part, the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa hailed the remarkable progress of the company. “Not only does it contribute to narrowing the energy deficit, but the Olkaria Project is making solid contribution to narrowing the energy deficit”, the Speaker remarked.
Exploration of geothermal resources in Kenya started in the 1950’s. However, this only bore fruits thirty years later leading to the construction of the geothermal station in 1981.Yesterday, EALA met with academia at the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences. The legislators were met by the Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Prof Isaac Kibwage and the senior management team.
Prof Kibwage told the EALA that the University had continued to invest in academic research and in the management of HIV and AIDS.“The University is spending time on research in a number of areas, paediatric care, national vaccines, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), male circumcision practices, reduction of HIV transmission amongst risk populations among others”, the don stated.
“I call on EALA to continue passing relevant legislation in the medical sector”, he added.
The College of Health Sciences is currently rated first in Kenya and East Africa. It ranks at number 1167 out of the 22,000 Universities globally according to the Principal. Chairman of EALA’s General Purpose Committee, Dr. Martin Nduwimana, lauded the progress at the University and noted that home-grown solutions were key.
“At this rate, we need not necessarily go to Chennai Hospitals. Let us continue showcasing the capacity of health in East Africa”, the legislator noted. The meetings were part of the 10-day Kenya tour organized to acquaint themselves with development in Kenya. At the same time, the legislators shall interact directly with citizens and hear their views, aspirations and fears on the integration process.
Ends
For more information, contact:
Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations Officer,
East African Legislative Assembly,
Tel: Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036.
Email: Bodiko@eachq.org
