Kenya is building Africa’s biggest wind energy farm to generate a fifth of its power

Kenya set in motion the construction of Africa’s biggest wind power farm this week, near Laisamis, 550km north of Kenya’s capital Nairobi.

Known as the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, the wind farm site covers 40,000 acres (162km2), which will be powered by the ‘Turkana Corridorwind.’ It is a low-level jet stream originating from the Indian Ocean and blows all year round.

The project will consist of 365 turbines and expected to achieve 68% load capacity factor, which will make it the most efficient wind power farm in the world. read more: http://qz.com/444936/kenya-is-building-africas-biggest-wind-energy-farm-to-generate-a-fifth-of-its-power/

Lake Turkana Wind Power eyes Sept 2016 for first output

 The project aims to start supplying some electricity as early as September 2016, once a transmission line is built linking the remote northern region to the national grid, a director of the project said on Wednesday.

The 310 megawatt (MW) project, originally aimed for start-up in 2011, has been delayed in part because it was awaiting a 428-km high-voltage line linking the area.

The transmission line was approved in August 2014 and will take about two years to build.
read more: www.the-star.co.ke

China To Build 50MW Solar Power Plant In Garissa

China is set to construct a solar power plant in Kenya as part of an ongoing investment plan between the two countries, media reports said Sunday. The 50-megawatt plant, which is planned to be built in the city of Garissa, will be financed by the Export-Import Bank of China, reports said, citing China’s ambassador to Kenya, Liu Xianfa.

The project is reportedly set to be one of Africa’s largest solar power installations, and is part of a $5 billion investment project announced by China in Kenya. read more: www.ibtimes.com

Powerhive ends Kenya Power’s distribution monopoly

The government of Kenya has awarded a power distribution license to Powerhive East Africa a wholly owned subsidiary of US microgrid solutions provider Powerhive Inc effectively bringing to an end the local power utilities monopoly in the distribution of power.

The license allows Powerhive to generate, distribute and sell electricity in Kisii and Nyamira counties in the west of the country. It however restricts the company to rural areas not covered by the national grid. read more: constructionreviewonline.com

Subsidiary becomes first private utility in Kenya’s history to be licensed to sell electricity to the public

Powerhive, Inc., a leading microgrid solutions provider, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Powerhive East Africa Ltd., is the first private company in Kenya’s history to receive a utility concession to generate, distribute, and sell electricity to the Kenyan public.

The concession, granted last February, allows Powerhive East Africa to scale up its operations in the region, beginning in Kisii and Nyamira counties in western Kenya, and to deliver electricity directly to hundreds of rural communities that are beyond the reach of the national grid.  
read more: www.powerhive.com

Nyandarua wind power project receives green light

The US$145m wind power project in Nyandarua County has received a green light from the political class and area residents to have it go ahead. The project is expected to add 61MW of electricity to the national grid.

Funded by various foreign investors, the project is being undertaken by Kinangop Wind Park Ltd which is a Kenyan energy company. It had initially stalled as investors, politicians and land owners had disagreed on its continuation. In a meeting held by stakeholders, it was concluded that investor’s leasehold the affected land be reduced from 60 years to 25 years.

read more: constructionreviewonline.com

image source: nyandaruacounty.or.ke

13 wind power sites among projects to be set up in Kenya by the Danish Government at a cost of US$205m

The sites will be put up in Kenya through the Wind for Prosperity power project. The sites are meant to benefit mainly the local communities where the wind turbines will be set up in off grid areas.


The project, dubbed Wind for Prosperity, will target establishment of the wind power plants in remote areas in Kenya.

One and three turbines, each with 660 kilowatts will be set up according to Morten Dyrholm, the Vestas Head of Global affairs.

In addition to setting up the wind power plants and establishing green energy projects, the US$205 given by the Danish Government will support other various development projects in Kenya. read more: constructionreviewonline.com

Proposed Sh150 billion High Grand Falls Dam

Construction of Kenya’s biggest dam is set to start soon along River Tana. The proposed Sh150 billion High Grand Falls Dam will be the single largest undertaking by the government in the water sector and will supply water to the Lamu resort city and port.

The 165 square kilometre dam will also be used to generate between 500MW and 700MW of electricity and help to control flooding in the Tana delta that displaces thousands of people every year.

Its construction will be funded through a public private partnership with firms from the People’s Republic of China and the Export-Import Bank of China providing the finances.


image source: reliefweb.int/map/

read more: 
www.nation.co.ke/Features/smartcompany/...Kenyas-largest-fresh-water-dam/
www.constructionkenya.com/.../government-approves-high-grand-falls-dam/
ae-africa.com/Kenya Completes High Grand Falls Dam Feasibility Study

Cookswell Jikos finalist at global green awards

A Kenyan family business that sells efficient cooking stoves and promotes reforestation has been announced as a finalist in the 2013 Ashden Awards, the world’s leading green energy prize.
Cookswell is the brainchild of the late Dr Maxwell Kinyanjui who was a pioneer in improving the sustainability of charcoal in Kenya, developing the charcoal-saving Kenya Ceramic Jiko and other technologies, and promoting commercial reforestation and efficient charcoal production.
read more: www.capitalfm.co.ke/business

image source: Cookswell Energy Saving Jikos Facebook page photos.

Unep to upgrade Nairobi to world's 'environment capital'

A decision by world leaders to strengthen the UN Environment Program (Unep) is expected to boost the status of Nairobi as the environmental capital of the world, a UN official said on Friday.

Nick Nuttall, director of Unep's division of Communications and Public Information, told journalists in Nairobi that the upgrade means that in many ways Nairobi is now truly the environmental capital of the world. read more: www.africareview.com/News/Unep to upgrade Nairobi to world's environment capital

Rhino Charge

Rhino Charge is an annual off-road rally event held in Kenya since 1989, in which the competitors have to compete on a grueling cross-country course in off-road vehicles. All funds raised by this event are donated to Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, an organization set up to help conserve the Aberdare Ecosystem. In December 2010 Rhino Ark announced its formal commitment to support conservation of other critical ecosystems, including the Mau Eburu Forest and Mt. Kenya.



Competitors are required to visit 13 points scattered over approximately 100 square kms in 10 hours using maps and GPS gadgets. The winner is the competitor who visits the most controls in the shortest distance (GPS measured).

Entrants must raise the minimum sponsorship set by the organising committee. Most however raise considerably more - the record to date being Kshs 11,509,015 in 2011 from Car No.5 led by Alan McKittrick.

To negate environmental damage entries to the Charge are limited to less than 60 vehicles. The popularity of the Charge is such that the organisers have introduced a preferential entry strategy favouring high value fund raisers because would-be entrants far exceed available places in the event. sources: www. rhinocharge.co.ke, www.rhinoark.org

How it began
The Rhino Charge was conceived on the verandah of the Members Bar at Muthaiga Country Club. Rhino Ark founder Ken Kuhle, asked Rally Enthusiast Rob Coombes whether he would organise a motorsport event to help raise funds for the “Rhino Ark Charitable Trust” that he had recently formed. The trust was committed to saving the Aberdare National Park’s dwindling Rhino population.

The concept discussed was to hold an “Off Road” competition whereby the winner would drive a vehicle to the highest altitude on Mt Kenya. Rob then discussed the idea with Brian Haworth who was enthusiastic and agreed to join Rob in organising it. Rob and Brian both shared a passion for the Kenyan Bush and Camping. read on: rhinocharge.co.ke/about-rc/how-it-began


Aberdare ecosystem fence project
The Rhino Ark Aberdare Electric fence is an ecosystem conservation tool. Its purpose is to resolve multiple challenges facing the protected area mountain forest ecosystem known as the Aberdare Conservation Area (ACA). The challenges include human-wildlife conflict, poaching wildlife habitat encroachment, and illegal logging.
Fence construction commenced in 1989 and was completed in August 2009. The fence is nearly 400km long and completely encircles the entire Aberdare Conservation Area – over 2,000 square kilometres. read more: rhinoark.or.ke/our-projects/aberdare-fence-project

Bid to become the first African nation to set up a climate authority.

Even as drought persists in parts of Kenya's arid north, intense rains are claiming lives in other parts of the country – flooding slums in the capital Nairobi, sweeping away hikers in the Rift Valley, and destroying crops.

Many Kenyans shake their heads in dismay at the increasingly extreme and volatile weather, which is costing money as well as lives in east Africa's economic powerhouse.

Wilbur Ottichilo, an environmental scientist and member of parliament, wants to equip Kenya to deal with these extremes. He has drafted a bill to set up an independent Climate Change Authority to advise on adapting to global warming and cutting the country's greenhouse gas emissions.
read on: guardian.co.uk/environment

Eto’o to set up football academy in Laikipia as Zeitz starts league.

Samuel Eto’o, the footballer with highest salary in the world – at about Sh250 million a month – landed in Laikipia on Tuesday evening and flew out on Wednesday.

This was, however, not before untying his purse strings for the local residents with a huge announcement that his foundation will set up a football academy in the area.

News that the Cameroonian star’s Sh2.6 billion-a-year salary at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala will trickle down to Laikipia County was received with huge acclaim from the residents, who had just concluded a month-long football tournament in pursuit of peace and environmental conservation.

Eto’o’s announcement came hot on the heels of another piece of great news: the Zeitz Foundation will sponsor the Laikipia Unity Football League, a new annual tournament that kicks off next year around Nanyuki.
read on: www.nation.co.ke/sports/football. 


About The Zeitz Foundation

Founded in 2008 by business entrepreneur Jochen Zeitz, the Zeitz Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Germany, headquartered in Kenya, and with representation in the United States and the United Kingdom. The goal of the Foundation is to maintain or improve the integrity of ecosystems through effective, sustainable management practices that ensure ecosystems continue to deliver services - such as clean water and air, carbon sequestration, and healthy soils - for the benefit of mankind. read more: zeitzfoundation.org

Samuel Eto’o and Puma boss in Laikipia.

Cameroon football star Samuel Eto’o arrives in Nairobi at dawn on Tuesday and will be the chief guest at Wednesday’s final of the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup at the Nanyuki Municipal Stadium.

Eto’o will be accompanied by Jochen Zeitz, the founder of tournament sponsors, Zeitz Foundation and chairman of the board at German sportswear and lifestyle company, Puma and will be received on arrival by Football Kenya Federation chairman Sam Nyamweya.

Eto’o is expected at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 5.30am and will catch a connecting flight at the Wilson Airport to Laikipia for his two-day tour. read on: www.nation.co.ke/sports/

Lake Turkana Festival

Ten Kenyan communities. A remote region of the country. Different traditions. Environmental challenges. Economic prospects. Reconciliation.

Proposed by the local community of Loiyangalani, Kenya, back in 2008 and jointly organised by the German Embassy, the Local Community Festival Committee, National Museums of Kenya and Private Safaris (K) Ltd., the Lake Turkana Festival has become an important element of Kenya's annual event calendar.

From 18 to 20 May 2012, the Lake Turkana Festival will take place in Loiyangalani for the fifth consecutive year. Focusing on the sustainability of the event, the Festival will be built around its core, i.e. the presentation of cultural dances and traditions of the participating communities, and cover issues relevant to the region.

From a cultural point of view, the event will feature unique performances and demonstrations of ten ethnic communities which live in the Lake Turkana region: El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Dassanach, Ghabra, Borana, Konso, Wata and Burji.

Do you know what a Ghabra or a Burji looks like at all? Or better yet: have you ever seen them sing and dance in their traditional ways? Have you ever been able to visit the living room of a Dassanach's hut? Have you ever tried the food of any of these communities? Where will you ever be able to witness that if not during the Lake Turkana Festival in Loiyangalani in Northern Kenya? more info: www.laketurkanafestival.com

Mau conservation gets Sh200 million boost

Mau Complex conservation groups have received Sh200 million from the European Union and the Danish Government, in a move to boost rehabilitation of the water tower and promote socio-economic activities for communities bordering the area.

The communities will be facilitated to start agro-forestry income generating activities, bee-keeping, greenhouse farming and fishing, using the funds which will be channelled through the Community Development Trust Fund.

The funds were presented during a handing over ceremony in Njoro by the community environment facility manager, Joseph Ruhiu and CDTF, board member Mr Karanja Kinyua.

The funding is part of the Sh2.4 billion, which the EU and Danida will be spending in the next three years to fund 97 projects countrywide.

The groups that benefitted included the Mau East Conservancy Forum in Mariashoni, which got Sh28 million to promote rehabilitation of water catchments zones and boost nature-based industries for the over 177,000 beneficiaries.

The other was the Mau-Njoro Integrated Rehabilitation and Agro-forestry project, which received Sh26 million while the Makalia river conservation and management project in Nakuru received Sh19 million.
article source: Daily Nation
image source: www.bbc.co.uk

Kenyan prof feted in Germany over worm study

When a leading African scientist received a brief e-mail inviting her to Germany to present her research breakthrough to select top global researchers, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, she dismissed it as a fake.

But the invitation to Prof Waceke Wanjohi from Dr Nathalie Martin-Hübner, managing director of Germany’s Falling Walls Foundation, could not have been more genuine.

Dr Martin-Hübner would explain that the Falling Walls conference is an annual global gathering of forward thinking individuals from 75 countries. And that each year, 20 of the world’s leading scientists are invited to Berlin to present their current breakthrough research which could dramatically transform life worldwide.

The conference seeks to: connect science with industry, politics, media and culture; identify trends, opportunities and solutions for global challenges; make research understandable to a broad audience; and, inspire people to break down the walls the world faces. Read more at source: The East African

Wangari Maathai nominated Forbes Africa Person Of The Year

ABN Publishing presents the Forbes Africa, Person of the Year Awards 2011 for, “the individual who, for better or worse, has had the most influence on events of the year gone by”. The Forbes Africa editorial team built an initial long-list that was narrowed down to the top 5. The “people’s choice” makes up 25% of the weighted average criteria formulated and does not necessarily determine the outcome of this award on its own. The nominees are: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, 73, the 24th and current President of Liberia; Pedro Veron Pires, 77, former president of Cape Verde; Aliko Dangote, 57, Nigerian businessman; Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, 50, banker, Fulani nobleman and Islamic scholar; Professor Wangari Maathai, 1940-2011, was a Kenyan environmental and political activist. vote here