Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya Tuesday launched construction of Sh 6 billion Energy from Waste Plant at Mung’ang’a in Mumias Sub County.
The plant will recycle waste collected from the County and convert it into electricity that will be supplied in the region.
“This project will produce at least 10 megawatts of electricity to be used in the County. Our aim is to reduce electricity cost by 50 per cent so as to cut down on funds used by the County to pay electricity bills,” said Oparanya.
He added, “Kakamega will be the first county in the country to have such a project. The plant will be a game changer for the rural county of Kakamega”.
He regretted that it has taken over seven years to actualize the idea of constructing the plant but assured residents that it will take nine months to complete it.
He said once completed, the plant will help the County address the challenge of garbage disposal which has been a thorny issue to his Government.
“This plant will help us deal with the issue of waste disposal which has been posing health risks to our people,” he said.
He said the investor VR Holding AB will also construct a health center and ECDE center on the 15-acre piece of land which the County has donated to the investor to construct the plant.
The Governor said the plant will also get waste from the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) member counties and even as far as Nairobi to sustain its operations.
Ms Victoria Rikede, President VR Holding AB thanked the county for donating land for the construction of the plant.
“I take this opportunity to thank the Governor and officers from your Government for their cooperation that has led to the realization of your dream of setting up such a massive project,” she said.
She said the plant is a solution to garbage burden in the County and beyond and will ensure clean environment.
“The plant will provide employment opportunities to residents and contribute towards the economic growth of the County,” she said.
County Secretary and Head of Public Service James Ochami, CECMs led by Mr Kulati Wangia (Roads, Public Works and Energy), County Attorney Vivian Mmbaka, Chief Officers, Speaker of the County Assembly Morris Buluma, MCAs led by Majority Leader Kennedy Kilwake among other leaders were present.
By John Ochanda
