An energy production plant[photo/eastafricabusinessconsultants.com]
The United States of America backed Power Africa initiative has developed a guide expected to help energy projects developers in the country effectively communicate and engage the local communities so as to fast-track the planning and implementation of the projects.
In the past, a number of power projects in Kenya have faced significant delays while others have completely failed to take off because of resistance from the community.
This has been attributed largely to the undue misunderstanding and lack of appreciation by initiators of the projects on how to engage the community. For instance, the $144 million (Sh14.8 billion) Kenyan wind power project, the Kinangop Wind Park, which was backed by a joint venture between Macquarie Group and Old Mutual Investment Group was in 2016 canceled due to opposition from local landowners and farmers.
Other projects like the Lake Turkana wind transmission line have also faced a backlash from the local communities, among the many projects. However, such kind of challenges are expected to be minimised in coming days after Power Africa, launched a guide that will streamline community engagement activities and fast-track the country’s drive to increase its current 2,341 megawatts of installed electricity capacity.
Power Africa was established in 2013 in African countries to reduce reliance on an expensive diesel-fuelled generation and other high-cost fossil resources.
In Kenya, Power Africa is supporting the development of the energy sector through financing, grants, technical assistance, and investment promotion. During the launch, US Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec said that Kenya is a leader in the region in the provision of reliable and adequate energy.
However, the ambassador noted that there need to streamline engagement with the local community so that they can buy the projects that are meant to increase power generation and connectivity across the country.