Kericho to benefit from Green Energy deal

Kericho is destined to become the first green energy county in the country under the renewable energy race following Friday’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the County Government and Sky Power Global. This is according Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony.

Speaking at Kericho County Offices, Governor Chepkwony and Sky Power Director Anwar Hussein said that Kericho is a strategic zone for the lucrative and safe solar energy.

Chepkwony said that the green energy project will open partnerships and create job opportunities in the region.

The partnership will pave way for the setting up of a huge solar power plant in the county and is expected to generate between 50-100MW.

The deal is part of the USD 4.4 billion energy deal between the Government of Kenya and the U.S. during the recent visit by President Barack Obama in the country.

In the agreement, the county government will lease out a 400 acre parcel of land to Sky Power to set up the plant at Kipsitet – Muhoroni area.

Chepkwony assured the investors of his administration’s commitment in facilitating a conducive environment to investments in the county.

The deal has been described as a huge milestone in the Sky Power energy program further lauding the county’s leadership in embracing renewable energy.

Kericho County is also set to benefit from the International Tissue Research Center that is set to be constructed in the area to embrace bio-technology.

Speaking during an open forum on Agricultural Biotechnology, Kenya Chapter at the Center for Tea Research Institute in Kericho last month, Governor Chepkwony said the Center will not only provide employment to youth in the area but will also be an exporter of seedlings to the world.

He challenged youth in the country to invest in land and agriculture.