Baringo County Residents Embrace Baringo-Silali Geothermal Project

Residents of the Baringo County have embraced the Geothermal Development Corporation’s (GDC’s) Baringo-Silali Project and urged GDC to commence the drilling process.

In a meeting, attended by the GDC Managing Director & CEO Eng. Johnson P. Ole Nchoe, senior GDC managers and representatives from three Trusts within the Baringo-Silali block namely – Loyamorok, Korosi and Silali as well as other government officials GDC said it has already started infrastructural work in the block with a contractor already on site setting up a water supply system with the official launch of the project expected anytime.

Speaking at the meeting, MD Eng. Johnson P. Ole Nchoe noted that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties to set out clear rules of engagement.

“I have already formed a committee to spearhead the development of this MoU, and I am aware that the report will be ready few days. The document will be signed by all parties,” said Eng. Ole Nchoe.

The MD further noted that GDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) progammes in the region will concentrate on health, water supply and relief services to benefit communities.
“We will develop 16 water supply points and work has already started to this effect,” remarked Eng. Ole Nchoe

On compensation, the CEO said GDC will carry out a way-leave compensation programme to people affected by road construction. Overall, both parties agreed that the project will transform the lives of communities in the area.

The Baringo-Silali Block has an estimated potential of 3,000MW which will be developed in phases. The first three phase will each develop 100MW with funding from the Government of Kenya and KfW. Detailed surface studies were completed in early 2013 and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) License obtained from NEMA. A community engagement framework has been established and the community has given GDC land access rights.

The Government of Kenya (GoK) is funding the construction of access roads and community engagement initiatives while KfW has given GDC a concessional loan of Euros 80 Million or approximately. Ksh8 billion for the drilling of 15-20 geothermal wells, undertaking several consultancies and installing a water pipeline to supply water for drilling.

So far, GDC has completed a seventy kilometer access road to open up the Baringo-Silali area for drilling. GDC has also contracted Hong Kong Off-Shore Oil Services Limited (HOOSL) to drill 15-20 geothermal wells.