desert burner
February 6th, 2010, 06:36 AM
The ministry of Energy is seeking consultants to carry out studies for electricity generation from flower farms’ waste and biogas from sewerage systems. The move comes as pressure piles on Kenya to diversify to renewable energy sources as hydro power is prone to drought.
Energy Permanent Secretary, Patrick Nyoike said consultants interested in studies for power generation from flower farms’ waste and biogas need to tender for the projects. “Request for proposal documents may be obtained during working hours upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Sh3,000 in cash or banker’s cheque payable to the Ministry of Energy,” he said.
The documents have to be submitted to the ministry before February 19. Kenya is currently pursuing measures to generate power from municipal solid waste as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru having potential of about 100 megawatts.
The government wants to attain green economy status by 2020. According to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Kenya has great potential for green energy, but the problem has been lack of right policies and commitment to fully harness the resources.
“With the right kinds of public policies and private sector partnerships, Kenya could become the green powerhouse of East Africa, generating enough for its citizens and industries while exporting surplus,” said UNEP’s executive director, Achim Steiner.
Safer Nairobi (SANA) coalition has developed a business and implementation plan of transforming garbage to trade opportunity, especially in Nairobi.
The SANA’s interim chairman, Reginald Okumu, said: “Nairobi has to regain its stature as the preferred tourism and investment destination. The fight against crime cannot be left to Government alone. We have extended partnership to all stakeholders,” he said.
Power generation from solid wastes and recycling of plastics among others are at the core of SANA’s project. SANA, with a war chest of US$5 million, seeks to tap private sector, civil society and Government to make garbage disposal an income earning process.
A study commissioned by UNEP calls for expediting decision-making on the Dandora waste dump site in Nairobi. Tests found high levels of lead and other heavy metals in the blood of area children, who also suffer from respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Dumping at the site is unrestricted. Industrial, agricultural, domestic and medical wastes including used syringes are strewn all over the site. Plastics, rubber and lead paint treated wood, hazardous waste containing poisonous chemicals were found on the dumpsite.
Waste processing facility
Father John Waboosta, a priest working with local communities in slums around the site, said the poor are the world’s best recyclers but this should not put them and their families lives in danger.
“We are advocating for closing and relocation of dumpsite, whereby a controlled and well-managed waste processing facility is set up. It will reduce health and environment impacts but also generate jobs and income for the local community,” he said. Over 2,000 metric tons of waste are deposited daily at the Dandora.
Energy Permanent Secretary, Patrick Nyoike said consultants interested in studies for power generation from flower farms’ waste and biogas need to tender for the projects. “Request for proposal documents may be obtained during working hours upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Sh3,000 in cash or banker’s cheque payable to the Ministry of Energy,” he said.
The documents have to be submitted to the ministry before February 19. Kenya is currently pursuing measures to generate power from municipal solid waste as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru having potential of about 100 megawatts.
The government wants to attain green economy status by 2020. According to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Kenya has great potential for green energy, but the problem has been lack of right policies and commitment to fully harness the resources.
“With the right kinds of public policies and private sector partnerships, Kenya could become the green powerhouse of East Africa, generating enough for its citizens and industries while exporting surplus,” said UNEP’s executive director, Achim Steiner.
Safer Nairobi (SANA) coalition has developed a business and implementation plan of transforming garbage to trade opportunity, especially in Nairobi.
The SANA’s interim chairman, Reginald Okumu, said: “Nairobi has to regain its stature as the preferred tourism and investment destination. The fight against crime cannot be left to Government alone. We have extended partnership to all stakeholders,” he said.
Power generation from solid wastes and recycling of plastics among others are at the core of SANA’s project. SANA, with a war chest of US$5 million, seeks to tap private sector, civil society and Government to make garbage disposal an income earning process.
A study commissioned by UNEP calls for expediting decision-making on the Dandora waste dump site in Nairobi. Tests found high levels of lead and other heavy metals in the blood of area children, who also suffer from respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Dumping at the site is unrestricted. Industrial, agricultural, domestic and medical wastes including used syringes are strewn all over the site. Plastics, rubber and lead paint treated wood, hazardous waste containing poisonous chemicals were found on the dumpsite.
Waste processing facility
Father John Waboosta, a priest working with local communities in slums around the site, said the poor are the world’s best recyclers but this should not put them and their families lives in danger.
“We are advocating for closing and relocation of dumpsite, whereby a controlled and well-managed waste processing facility is set up. It will reduce health and environment impacts but also generate jobs and income for the local community,” he said. Over 2,000 metric tons of waste are deposited daily at the Dandora.