KTDA to set up Sh400m power plant for factories

The Kenya Tea Development Authority will set up a Sh400 million hydroelectric power project for three factories in Embu County to cut on energy costs and minimise consumption of firewood.

KTDA board member Samuel Murithi Ireri said the plant, which is projected to produce one mega watt of electricity, will tap Thuci River and supply power to Mungania, Rukuriri and Kathangariri factories.

He said the project will help factories save over Sh54 million in electricity bills annually. It will also serve as an income generating venture by selling power to the national grid.

Speaking during the launch of a tree planting week in Irangi part of Mt Kenya, Mr Ireri said factories in the area were minimising the use of firewood and teaching farmers to use energy saving stoves to cut operation costs.

He said the three factories in the area had already bought 300 acres of land to plant trees for firewood need.

“We don’t want to rely on farmers for firewood. We want to ensure the current forest cover is retained or increased. We want every factory to set aside 200 acres of land for supply of its firewood,” he said.

Mr Ireri said farmers will this season plant over 450,000 trees in an ambitious bid to replenish the forest that was recently ravaged by wild fires.

“Kenya Tea Development Authority has earmarked 10,000 hectares in Irangi for tree planting. Other seedlings will be supplied to farmers,” he said.

KTDA region 3 manager Peter Kinyua said the three factories had been urged to mobilise members to plant at least 150,000 seedlings.