The Mutunguru Hydropower Project began as a community initiative in 2004. In 2009, the project received support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) who donated a 26 kilowatt turbine together with a team of experts for the installation. The community on their end contributed some money and labour to build the intake, a pen stalk and a power house.
Due to lack of funds to install the power lines from 2009-2013, the community was almost giving up on the project. Through partnership, Skynotch Energy then stepped in to provide technical support. The Community Based Organization (CBO) has 1200 members spread over three locations in Igoji West Sub-County and each member represents a household.
Since the rural electrification programme already had most members connected to the grid, the idea was now to produce and sell power back to the grid. The proceeds would then benefit the community. Skynotch was able to raise the initial capital of $50,000 for a feasibility study which was conducted and completed in 2013. The study found that the project had the capacity to produce 1.8 Megawatts if a few parameters were changed.
In 2014, another feasibility study was conducted through third party financing to pay for the consultants. The study demonstrated that they had the capacity to produce 7.8 Megawatts with a capital investment of $18 million. Virunga Power invested in 25% equity stake through Power Africa.
The challenge was now in bringing the 1200 members to form a public company limited by shares. Mutunguru Hydro Electric Power was registered in 2013. The 8 megawatt project from the river run off. The business model is such that the community develop the project and manage the power. The proceeds are to be shared at agreed rates.
The community has made a number of milestones. They have acquired the necessary licencing, plans and have a tentative commercial date of August 2018. What this means is that according to the Energy Regulatory Commission, they are recognized in the project master plan to sell power back to the grid under the feeding tariff programme. The community has also initiated power purchase agreements with Kenya Power.
Recently, Mutunguru Hydroelectric Company Limited (MHCL) received a grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) and Africa Climate Technology Centre (ACTC) to finance the Mutunguru 7.8 megawatt Small Hydro Power Project. The grant will used for providing legal support for putting up suitable community measures; financial advisory; support to lenders’ due diligence; support to environmental and social impact assessment; institutional and management capacity building.
The Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) has provided MHCL with business advisory services especially in policy support and helped in building their procurement capacity. Last year, KCIC was also instrumental in engaging legal services for Mutunguru. The hot desk facility has also been beneficial to MHCL.
courtesy kenyacic By Mercy Mumo
Monday, July 30, 2018
Monday, July 9, 2018
CENSUS JOBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)
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Kenya National Bureau of Statistics invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals with excellent credentials to fill the following temporary positions:-
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Thursday, July 5, 2018
The first YOUNG SCIENTISTS KENYA (YSK) Exhibition (JUBILEE DELIVERING)
The first Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) exhibition will take place at the KICC in Nairobi from July 5 to 6.
YSK is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) launched in July 2017, with the aim of promoting the diversity, resourcefulness and commercialisation of young students' ideas.There will be Ninety projects that will be exhibited at the showcase in which more than 150 secondary schools will too participate.
YSK board chairman Kevit Desai noted on Monday that there is need for more vigour in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
"The age of innovation is getting lower by the day so it is important to invest in the young talent of the 21st century," Desai said and encouraged young innovators to attend the event.
Ireland ambassador Vincent O'Neill noted the importance of investing in skills and education for Kenya to grow economically.
“There's a direct link between this initiative and Kenya's future economic prosperity,” he said.
O'Neill noted that last year's winner from Ireland made a coding system to improve the next generation of computers and that the invention was partially sold to a US-based company at $5 million (Sh504 million).
He said that the embassy is committed to fostering linkages and financial aid and will sponsor Kenyan winners to visit Ireland to learn scientists.
“Winning projects will be supported so the innovators learn business principles. Intellectual properties will be defended and good ideas nurtured with the students at the center, in ways they are not going to be exploited.”
GOVERNMENT PROMISES RESOURCES
Education CS Amina Mohamed said that the STEM module is a key driver of education in Kenya and that it is mirrored in the government's vision 2030 and Big Four agenda.Amina noted, however, that according to the 2017/18 KUCCPS placement, only 31 percent learners enrolled for STEM courses with over 55 percent in humanities.
"It is important to encourage young female students to enroll in STEM courses as only 25- 30 percent enrolled compared to 45-55 percent boys," she said,
The Minister said the event will trigger interest in the initiative
The schools were each given robotic equipment worth Sh81 million as part of the project on which the government will spend Sh1.3 billion.
“Through this, we will increase uptake and expand the initiative,” she said, adding that schools will also be built.
Sanda Ojiambo, Safaricom's Head of Corporate Responsibility, pledged support while noting that a few secondary schools have access to STEM resources as they are scarce.
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