Geothermal works to commence in Bogoria Silali Block

Eng. Johnson Ole Nchoe, the GDC Managing Director and CEO addressing the press and staff in Nakuru town on Friday.

---

Drilling operation for geothermal energy in the Baringo Silali Block will commence in January 2017 - according Eng. Johnson Ole Nchoe, the Managing Director and CEO of the Geothermal Development Company (GDC).

Eng. Nchoe said this during a tour of the Menengai Geothermal Project in Nakuru on Friday.

“We’re committed to opening up the Baringo-Silali geothermal prospect which has a huge potential. Already we have issued some works contracts that will accelerate the development of the project. We need to speed up the generation of electricity from renewable sources to meet the demands of the country,” said Eng. Nchoe.

The Baringo Silali Block Project has been funded by KFW of Germany to the tune of Ksh. 8 billion. GDC is expected to drill about 20 wells that will produce up to 200 MW of electricity. The Baringo Silali Block has a potential output of 3000 MW. GDC has already carried out comprehensive scientific exploration. The company has also paved roads in the project area that are critical for drilling operations.

Meanwhile, GDC has announced that power plant construction at the Menengai Geothermal Project, will commence in the next three months to tap and produce 105 MW of electricity. The company has contracted three Independent Power Producers  (IPPs) to build three power plants in the project. This way, Kenya’s efforts towards cheap green electricity will be realised.

“Menengai is a ripe project. It’s on the brink of production and we are happy with it. we have completed major works and drilling for the generation of the 105 MW by the three IPPs. We ‘re glad that we are going to deliver on our promises to Kenyans,” he affirmed.

And while speaking to his staff in Nakuru Town, Eng. Nchoe reiterated that GDC is a corruption free company. "We are not going to tolerate any corrupt elements in the company. Before we come for you, you are better advised to send in your resignation letter, because we will get you," he said in a terse statement.