Bungoma county has signed a partnership with the rural electrification and renewable energy corporation (REREC)that will see the entire county lit.
In the deal the county government will fund 45 million shillings for the same while REREC will also pump a similar amount for the project.
The money will go towards lighting every market in the county as well as supporting other forms of renewable energy.
REREC will also in addition source for additional funds for the Rural Electrification Programme and renewable energy and further develop and update the rural electrification master plans in consultation with County Governments.
Speaking during the function, REREC CEO Peter Munga said they will also develop and update the renewable energy master plan taking into account county specific needs and the principle of equity in the development of renewable energy resources and support the establishment of energy centres in the counties.
“The cooperation will also undertake on-farm and on station demonstration of wood-fuel species, seedling production and management and further uundertake feasibility studies and maintain data with a view to availing the same to developers of renewable energy resources,”Said Munga
Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka said the deal will see the agency promote and manage in collaboration with other agencies, the use of renewable energy and technologies, including but not limited to biomass (biodiesel, bio-ethanol, charcoal, fuel-wood, bio-gas) municipal waste, solar, wind, tidal waves, small hydropower and co-generation but excluding geothermal.
“This will Provide an enabling framework for the efficient and sustainable production, conversion, distribution, marketing and utilization of biomass, solar, wind, small hydros, municipal waste,”said Lusaka
The agreement will also ensure in conjunction with the agency responsible for forests, the use of fast maturing trees for energy production including bio-fuels and the establishment of commercial woodlots including peri-urban plantations;
“This will also promote the development of appropriate local capacity for the manufacture, installation, maintenance and operation of renewable technologies such as bio-digesters, solar systems, turbines and other renewable energy technologies,””Lusaka said
The governor said this is expected to change the economic status of the county.
In attendance was Trade and industrialization CEC Caro Khalayi and her roads and infrastructure counter part Boniventure Chengek.
