The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) plans to construct industrial parks in five areas within the Olkaria geothermal plant.
KenGen managing director Albert Mugo says that once the factory sites are up and running, the parks would fully benefit from subsided electric supply.
Mugo said this while allocating new houses, schools and other social amenities to the Maasai community that has been relocated from geothermal exploration sites.
He added that KenGen has spent a substantial amount of money in coming up with more than 150 houses, churches, schools and cattle dips for the affected Maasai community. The community was relocated due to noise and gas emission from the geothermal plant.
“We have pooled in Sh800 million in an effort to find a better living environment away from poisonous gases and the social amenities to reclaim their livelihood and restore their lives,” he said.
Maenga Kisotu, an accompanying local leader, applauded KenGen’s move.
“We welcome this relocation since it will give the government an opportunity to explore more areas around this region for geothermal power. We will all support KenGen in its endeavours to change lives positively,” he said.
Mugo said that KenGen will boost electricity production from the plant to 140 megawatts by the end of the year.