Toshiba and KenGen Conclude Memorandum of Understanding on O&M Services for Geothermal Power Plants

Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (hereinafter “KenGen”), a leading electric power generating company in Kenya, and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (hereinafter “Toshiba ESS”), a leading supplier of integrated energy solutions, concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU anticipates a partnership of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services for geothermal power plants in developing countries including East African countries through a combination of KenGen and Toshiba ESS’s know-how and networks. This MoU was signed during TICAD 8 held in Tunisia in August 27 and 28.

KenGen produces about 60% of the electricity installed in the country, with 86% generated from renewable energy, such as hydropower, wind power, and geothermal power. For geothermal power, KenGen has a 799 MW generation installed capacity, including the Olkaria Geothermal Power Plants, Kenya’s largest geothermal power complex. Under this MOU, KenGen will contribute to the development of geothermal power plants in East African countries and become the “The point of expert reference” in Africa.

KenGen Managing Director & CEO, Rebecca Miano said “Geothermal energy provides sustainable power supply. It is a resource we have in abundance in Kenya, an advantage that has enabled us to build a considerable wealth of expertise in its exploration and development. This we have done for more than 50 years.”

Toshiba ESS has delivered 60 geothermal power generation sets with a total capacity of about 3,790 MW all over the world, including Africa. It also supplied 4 sets of 70 MW steam turbines and generators for KenGen’s Olkaria I and IV Geothermal Power Plants.

“I’m delighted to announce this cooperation with KenGen, Toshiba ESS has collaborated in the development of geothermal power generation and human resources in Uganda, Malawi, and other East African countries. Through this collaboration, I’m convinced that we can contribute to supplying clean and safe energy in the regions with KenGen.” said Toshiba ESS Business Development Executive, Toyoaki Fujita.

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KenGen Managing Director & CEO, Rebecca Miano (left) and Toshiba ESS Business Development Executive, Mr. Toyoaki Fujita, celebrate the signing of the MoU

There is an ongoing survey to identify geothermal resources in the Great Rift Valley, a tectonic plate boundary running from north to south with immense geothermal potential. Both companies are delighted to cooperate in this opportunity, and plan further business expansion.

About KenGen

Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC - KenGen is the leading electricity generation company in Eastern Africa region with an installed generation capacity market share of more than 60%. The company’s primary business is to provide safe, reliable, and competitively priced electric energy for the country in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner while creating value for its stakeholders.

Today, KenGen PLC has an installed generation capacity of 1,904MW, of which over 86% is drawn from renewable sources namely: Hydro (826MW), Geothermal (799MW), Thermal (253MW), and Wind (26MW).

About Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation

Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation is a leading supplier of integrated energy solutions. With its long experience and expertise in a wide range of power generating and transmitting systems and energy management technology, the company delivers innovative, reliable, and efficient energy solutions across the globe. Split off from Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) in October 2017.

https://www.toshiba-energy.com/en/index.htm

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Davis Chirchir - Cabinet Secretary, Energy and Petroleum

@_DavisChirchir

CABINET SECRETARY, ENERGY AND PETROLEUM- KENYA

Mr. Davis Chirchir is the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Energy and Petroleum in Kenya. He provides policy, oversight and leadership in the corporate institutional framework of the Ministry. The institutions under this framework include:

Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC)
National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK)
Kenya Petroleum Oil Refineries (KPRL)
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)
Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC(KenGen)
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company PLC (KPLC)
Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC)
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO)
Geothermal Development Company (GDC)
Energy Tribunal
Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA)
Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

He has in-depth experience in project development, management and execution and is skilled in strategic analysis and financial management

Mr. Chirchir previously led the Ministry in the same capacity from 2013 to 2015. This is therefore his second appointment as the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum; a testament to his in-depth understanding of the sector and the impact he had. Prior to his nomination and appointment as the Cabinet Secretary, he was the Chief of Staff to the Deputy President.

He was also a Commissioner at the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) where he spearheaded the introduction and application of information technology and reform initiatives in voter registration and election results management.

This was preceded by his role as General Manager at Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC) where he coordinated the restructuring of KPTC to create Telkom Kenya, Communication Commission of Kenya, Postal Corporation of Kenya and staff Pension Fund. He also coordinated the privatization of Telkom Kenya and establishment of Safaricom. He was a member of the Technology Committee at Nairobi Stock Exchange and supported the computerization of the Central Depository and Trading System.

Mr. Chirchir holds a Masters of Business Administration in International Management from Royal Holloway School of Management, University of London. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Tele-traffic Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Physics from the University of Nairobi.

Kamau Alex Wachira - Principal Secretary

@_AlexKamauWachira

Alex Kamau Wachira - Principal Secretary

The Principal Secretary joins the State Department for Energy with a wealth of experience from the private sector where he worked variously as an investment banker. His latest assignment was with Faida Investment Bank where he traded and structured Treasury bonds and Corporate bonds at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). Other assignments include working with Dyer & Blair Investment Bank and Genghis Capital limited in the same capacity.

PS Wachira has served in various leadership’s positions right from his university days. He was a founding member of the Bonds Market Association as well as a member of the Steering Committee of the Kenya Association of Stock Brokers and Investment Bankers (KASIB). His contribution to the Bond’s market saw him being appointed to the Central Depository Project at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). In 2021, the project dealt in government securities worth 900 billion, the highest turnover ever in Kenya.

The PS launched his career in the financial sector after participating in the issuance of the Safaricom IPO in 2008 where he interned. He had prior completed a Bsc Degree course from the University of Nairobi. At Campus, he served as the Secretary General NUNSA and Treasurer for the Confederation of Medical Students Association. He is currently pursuing an MA in Leadership at Pan African Christian University.

A strong believer in servant leadership through community engagement and development, in that position, the PS was able to spearhead initiatives such, as free medical camps for Cancer Screening, Tree planting, Youth Mentorship Programmes, and Sports Tournaments among others. Born and bred in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, the PS is a family man who’s strict up bringing is instrumental in shaping him into the person he is.