Nakuru County and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) have agreed to form a joint committee to ensure that power generated by GDC benefits locals.
Governor Kinuthia Mbugua and GDC boss Silas Simiyu said the stakeholders’ committee will look into all possible ways that energy generated by the firm can benefit the people of Nakuru.
The daylong consultative meeting was held between the county government, GDC and the Nakuru business community.
Nakuru branch’s Kenya Association of Manufacturers chairman Ranjit Shah will head the committee, which will include at least three members from various groups, including the GDC, Nakuru County executive, representatives from the county assembly, and the Nakuru business community.
Some of the benefits the governor stressed to be looked into include employment, business opportunities creation, tenders, local supplies and investments in the energy sector. Mbugua assured the GDC of full co-operation from all the relevant arms of the government.
Simiyu highlighted farming and the hospitality industry as the key sectors that are set to benefit from the deal.
The geothermal power will be used in grain silos, drying of cereals and other farm products such as pyrethrum.
Simiyu urged the county to create industrial parks which will allow transmission of the electricity.
GDC has so far successfully drilled 18 wells in Menengai, with the first having a capacity to produce 80 megawatts.