The 87MW Thika thermal power plant is located in the town of Thika, some 35km from Nairobi.
The plant includes five heavy fuel oil generators convertible into natural gas if gas becomes available, and 7MW steam turbines.
The steam turbine will react to Kenya’s shortage of dependable thermal capacity for which demand is growing by 6% to 8% every year.
Furthermore, the power plant’s steam turbine will increase the efficiency of the plant, thus reducing carbon emissions.
In addition, it will also reduce the burden on the Nairobi area’s grid, which lacks from frequent voltage reductions and blackouts.
This energy private sector power project will encourage economic growth by helping to address Kenya’s energy shortfall.
AfDB director Tim Turner said the Thika Project will provide the advantage of more reliable power, fewer power outages, and greater scope for private sector and small to medium-sized enterprises growth in the Athi River region.
