We remain anchored on our Good to Great Transformational strategy which aims to create value for future generations. Three key pillars form the foundation of our strategy. They are socio investment, financial and environmental sustainability.

 

Our investment in innovation, green energy, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), ISO certification in quality and environment management systems, operational excellence and commitment to our stakeholders exemplify KenGen’s rich sustainability agenda. KenGen Foundation has become our vehicle to drive Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives in a structured manner for a harmonious co-existence.

Social Investment

KenGen believes in making a difference in areas in which it operates and continues to implement a comprehensive corporate social investment program with a view to improving living standards and empowering communities to take charge of their destinies. Key areas of focus are education, infrastructure development, economic empowerment, water & sanitation and environment. The company also supports initiatives that promote sporting talent, peace,inclusion and cultural preservation.

Education

The company operates in some of the remotest parts of the country where schools are not only far between, but ill-equipped to provide quality education. During the year, KenGen supported access to education by children from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing scholarships, developing school infrastructure and providing learning equipment. Schools at the Seven Forks, Olkaria, Turkwel, Sondu Miriu and Upper Tana were supported to build classrooms and acquire equipment, with a view to creating a conducive environment for learning and giving children a good start in life.

From sponsoring the initial group of 14 students in 2005, the company has benefitted over 700 secondary and university students.

Schools that have benefited from infrastructure development include Apoko Mixed Secondary School in Nyanza Region, Gachabari Secondary School in Eastern Kenya, Turkwel Gorge, Lonyangalem and Olasiti Primary schools in the Rift Valley. Mirira and Kiambaa Primary Schools

in Murang’a County also benefited from upgraded classrooms, landscaping, new desks, and a refurbished water tank following the implementation of the CDM projects at Tana Power Station.

In addition, KenGen supported initiatives aimed at helping students to achieve their potential through mentoring and school tours to expose students to power generation activities and inspire them to make meaningful contribution to the society.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure, especially roads, plays a critical role in opening up and enabling inaccessible areas to participate in the national economy. KenGen continues to enable communities to access essential services and markets for their produce by building and maintaining roads. The company has rehabilitated roads in Turkwel, Olkaria, Sondu Miriu and the Seven Forks. At the same time, the company’s presence has enabled the areas to access electric energy, which has led to diversification of sources of income through the establishment of small businesses like barber shops and hair salons. Access to electric energy has also improved access to health services as local health centres can now undertake power-dependent medical tests and administer vaccines that require refrigeration.

Economic Empowerment

KenGen plays a critical role in enabling communities to improve their living standards by providing jobs and economic opportunities. In Olkaria alone, where the 164.5MW Olkaria V Geothermal project is ongoing, the company provided over 200 temporary jobs to the residents. In all areas of operation, the company gives priority to local communities in the provision of non-specialized services like security, cleaning and supply of materials.

Water & Sanitation

Access to water continues to be a major challenge to many communities, especially those in the semi-arid areas where water-borne diseases are endemic. In fact, in some parts of the country, water is increasingly becoming a source of conflict. The Company, with installations in semi-arid areas, is focusing on enabling the communities to access water by building sand dams and providing piped water as well as raising awareness on hygiene. During the year, the Company commissioned the Ngurunga dam to alleviate water shortage faced by 500 residents in Mbeere, Embu County. The Company also continued to support the provision of water to thousands of people in the Seven Forks region, Sondu Miriu, Turkwel and Olkaria by erecting and maintaining water points outside its installations. The company water project benefit about 43,000 people who live near its installations.

Healthcare

Healthcare remains elusive to many rural communities. Indeed, Kenyans are also beginning to bear the brunt of diseases like cancer which require intensive, specialized care. In Mt. Kenya Region, KenGen is partnering with the Nyeri Hospice to alleviate the suffering of people with terminal diseases. Every year, KenGen partners with the Nyeri Hospice to provide palliative care to terminally ill patients by sponsoring a charity golf tournament. The company also enables Kenyans to access health care by sponsoring various events, including the Mater Heart Run, Coast Hospice Charity Golf Tournament, Diabetes Walk, and the Relay for Life (Cancer Walk).