The county government of Turkana in collaboration with KUDURA Africa has concluded three- weeks public engagement on acquiring land for 22 Mini grid power stations.
The exercise aimed at aligning the land lease agreement with local communities as well as the MoU between the county government and KUDURA Africa.
While speaking during the meeting, Triza Amoni, Chief Officer for Energy, petroleum and Mineral resources saud that the project will be a business booster for traders as well as education.
Apart from providing light, the project will also offer electric power for businesses contributing to a 24-hours economy in the identified areas,” said Triza.
The chief officer also stressed on the projects significance in replacing unsustainable sources of energy like firewood and charcoal which has interfered with the ecology.
Abraham Wangila, operations consultant at KUDURA Africa, said that the company has adopted off-grid approach model which will scale up access to electric energy in remote areas like Lokichogio, Turkana West and Loima.
Other areas which are also set to benefit from the project are Turkana Central, Turkana North and Turkana South Sub-Counties.
Easy access to electric energy, more income
The access to electric energy in such areas will be made possible by each grid’s ability to generate 20 to 60 kWh of electric solar energy.
He assured the residents of reaping big from the project based on its success in Busia County before.
Wangila however, urged the locals to embrace the project which will provide employment to most of the youth.
Moses Edapal, a resident of Lakezone Ward in Turkana South expressed his hopes of a change in the lifestyle and economy based on the projects potential to transform the rural areas in the county.
This, in deed, will be a game changer as it will make small towns like Narengewoi be guaranteed of light at night like big towns,” said Moses
He expressed further, saying that: “The project will also boost security in the area by reducing the attacks by wild animals.”
Tapping the abundant solar energy*
The off-grid mini station models have been identified as a viable channel for empowering those living in the rural areas.
In collaboration with the county government of Turkana, KUDURA will be tapping the abundant solar energy in Turkana County.
The meeting was also attend by Directors Stanley Loter of Mineral resources, Steve Barasa , County Surveyor, Jane Ebenyo and Phoebe Eturote who represented the County Attorney’s office
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