By Kayugira Dante, Nairobi
The Cabinet Secretary for Energy Davis Chirchir and his Treasury counterpart Njuguna Ndung’u on behalf of the Kenyan government and Fortescue Future Industries Executive chairman Andrew Forrest at State House, Nairobi signed a deal to establish a 300MW green energy and fertilizer-making enterprise using the Olkaria Geothermal Resources in Naivasha.
The signing process was witnessed by President William Ruto.
“This is a bold statement that Kenya is on an ambitious green growth agenda.” The President made the remarks during the signing in an investment support and implementation agreement with FFI.
“The Government of Kenya and FFI has reinforced their commitment to progress the development of sustainable green industries in Kenya,” Read the statement from Statehouse spokesperson in a press release
“The project is expected to supply electricity to Kenya’s grid, accelerating the phasing out of fossil fuels and reinforcing Kenya’s position as global leader in renewable energy,” the press release further read
According to the statement by Hussein, fossil fuel dependent fertilizer production is significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
The state house spokesperson confirmed that the deal will contribute to Kenya’s economy and food security. He also said that the project and subsequent developments will contribute to greening agriculture and meeting Kenya’s greenhouse gas reduction commitments.
Statehouse spokesperson assured that, “This is the first of three projects that will see Australia’s FFI , a subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group , invest in green energy and manufacturing in Kenya,”
This came after farmers in Kenya had been lamenting on high cost of fertilizer with the government requesting local production to reduce cost of essential food commodities in the country.
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