Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjuiri has urged the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), which is operating in his constituency, to start contracting local farmers and businessmen as suppliers of readily available farm produce and other commodities.
Ngunjiri said this will help in empowering locals hence enhance good relationship between the company and the surrounding residents.
“It will not be accepted to have farm produce being consumed at the GDC to be sourced from other countries while the same is grown in plenty by the people of Bahati.We therefore urge the GDC to start giving contracts to our locals and this will enhance good relationship,”he said.
The MP said 80 per cent of GDC drilling work is being done in Bahati and locals should at least share direct benefits from the company.
Ngunjiri was speaking on Friday morning at the GDC Menengai plant during a visit by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Charles Keter.
Keter was accompanied by the Principal Secretary in the Ministry, Engineer Joseph Njoroge, GDC's CEO, Engineer Johnson Ole Nchoe , GDC Board Chairman, Gersham Otachi and board members who included, Carol Karugu.