County signs Sh90 million energy deal

Mt. Elgon, Monday June 19, 2023

by Douglas Mudambo

Bungoma County has signed a Sh90 million Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation deal that will see the entire county being lit.

Speaking on Monday during the function in his office, Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) Chief Executive Officer Peter Munga said they will develop and update the renewable energy master plan, taking into account county-specific needs and the principle of equity in the development of renewable energy resources and support the establishment of energy centers in the counties.

Munga said that the money will go towards lighting every market in the county as well as supporting other forms of renewable energy.

The CEO added that they will also source for additional funds for the Rural Electrification Programme and renewable energy and further develop and update the rural electrification master plans in consultation with County Governments.     

"The cooperation will also undertake on-farm and on-station demonstration of wood-fuel species, seedling production and management, while further undertaking feasibility studies and maintaining data with a view to availing the same to developers of renewable energy resources,” said Munga. 

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka said the deal will see the agency in collaboration with other agencies promote and manage the use of renewable energy and technologies, including but not limited to biomass (biodiesel, bio-ethanol, charcoal, fuel-wood, bio-gas) municipal waste, solar, wind, tidal waves, small hydropower, and co-generation), but excluding geothermal.

Lusaka added that in the deal the county government will inject Shs.45 million for the project, while REREC will also pump a similar amount.

“This will provide an enabling framework for the efficient and sustainable production, conversion, distribution, marketing and utilization of biomass, solar, wind, small hydros, and municipal waste,” said Lusaka

The project will help a great deal in preserving trees to conserve the environment.

“This will also promote the development of appropriate local capacity for the manufacture, installation, maintenance and operation of renewable technologies such as bio-digesters, solar systems, turbines, and other renewable energy technologies,” Lusaka said

The governor said this is expected to change the economic status of the county. 

The Governor was accompanied by Trade and Industrialization County Executive Committee members Caro Khalayi and her roads and infrastructure counterpart Bonaventure Chengek.

Courtesy ; K. N. A