Community engaged in land acquisition for solar mini-grids

Turkana

Friday, January 19, 2024

KNA by Peter Gitonga

The County Government of Turkana through the Department of Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Resources, has commenced a county-wide engagement of residents on land acquisition for the development of 22 solar Mini-Grids by KUDURA Energy Power East Africa Ltd.

Addressing the residents in Kakurotuko village, Nanam Ward in Lokichoggio Sub-County where the engagement commenced on Thursday, the Chief Officer for Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Triza Amoni confirmed that the exercise would involve the Department of Lands owing to their technical expertise in the determination of land lease models, identification of the exact coordinate location, and land size measurements.

The Chief Officer also shared that the County had already signed an MoU with KUDURA Power East Africa Ltd for the installation of 22 mini-grids, which would tap the abundant solar energy for the production of electric power lighting, home base industries, and commerce solutions to the residents.

 “This is in line with the transformative agenda of Governor Lomorukai which envisions a county where residents have access to power for enhanced livelihoods,” Triza stated.

The Chief Officer explained that the current engagement of the community was meant to jointly identify the exact land location and communicate that the ownership was in the form of a lease.

During the community engagement, she called on the community members to embrace the project as it had the potential to bring about the desired transformation by improving area security and opening up the villages to a potential 24-hour economy through the provision of lighting.

While receiving the land in a symbolic move, the Chief Officer assured the residents of the County’s commitment to safeguard the agreements reached in the signed MoU entered between the KUDURA power East Africa Ltd and the County Government.

Similar exercises have been conducted at Nakururum and Natiira villages with plans underway to reach out to all the 22 locations earmarked for the installation.

Present during the event were County Directors Stanley Loter (Mineral resources) Davis Munialo (Physical planning) Acting Director for Energy (Lokwayen Samuel),

Jane Ebenyo( Principal Legal Counsel), Samuel Lokwakan (Land Administrator), and Bernard Alipan (Land Surveyor).

KUDURA Power East Africa Ltd representatives included Fredrick Achoka(County Liaison Officer, and Abraham Wangila (Officer in charge of safety).

Courtesy; KNA