Missouri Ag Connection - NRECA International Heads to Kenya

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NRECA International Heads to Kenya
Missouri Ag Connection - 05/31/2016

Looking at photos of Nairobi, you see a modern capital city with skyscrapers, so it's hard to believe that about half of Kenya's households lack electricity. Still, it's a fact--and one that NRECA International is taking steps to change.

It's signed a contract with the Kenyan government to help prepare a national electrification strategy. Out of a population of about 45 million, some 23 million are still waiting for electrification in Kenya, a country that's five times the size of Ohio, reports Electric Co-op Today.

"Access to electricity in Kenya has doubled in the last five years, but the government aims to reach full coverage by 2020, a goal that is needed for Kenya to reach its full potential as the largest economy in east Africa," said Dan Waddle, NRECA International senior vice president.

"Our experience over the last five decades shows the importance and direct benefits of reliable and affordable electricity in developing countries," Waddle added.

Under the agreement announced May 25, NRECA International will analyze Kenya's current electrification program and prepare a strategy that supports a rapid increase in access to electricity nationwide. The initiative is part of the Kenya Electricity Modernization Project, funded by the World Bank.

When the project was approved in 2015, Diarietou Gaye, World Bank country director for Kenya, noted, "Modern, reliable electricity will improve the quality of life of Kenyans and underpins enhanced competitiveness of the Kenyan economy."

Citing Kenya Power's 2015 Annual Report, NRECA International said Kenya generates 9,280 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. Forty-four percent comes from geothermal, while hydropower accounts for 36 percent with the remainder coming from fossil fuels. Electricity consumption exceeds 7,000 GWh.

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