Kenya will triple its electricity production in the next 40 months and add 5000 megawatts (MW) to the national grid.
Energy Cabinet Secretary David Chirichir said that this will increase the current installed capacity of 1,900MW hence make power cheaper for Kenyans
He said: “Out of the targeted increment, geothermal will contribute 1,600MW. We intend to use geothermal to diversify the power mix and subsequently reduce electricity tariffs in Kenya. This will translate to stable affordable energy.”
Chirchir added that the cost of doing business in Kenya will drastically come down hence opening doors for accelerated industrialisation which will in turn translate to more jobs for Kenyans.
The CS was speaking when he opened a short course for 20 students from all over the world on energy production at the Africa Geothermal Centre of Excellence.
He cited that with the recent developments in power, Kenya will soon be a net exporter of power to the neighbouring countries
“Kenya is working with regional leaders in ensuring that energy issues are addressed in a coordinated manner,” he added.
The CS launched the excellence centre in Naivasha with an aim of training more than 2,000 geothermal professionals. This is part of the pact by the Presidents of the States within the Northern corridor which mandated Kenya to set up a regional training centre.
It will focus in practical on the job training with students getting practical exposure from the Menengai and Olkaria Geothermal Power plants.
“Last month the first class of 19 students drawn from countries in the Eastern African region had a one month stint at the institution. The next class is scheduled for early 2015,” he added.