Kenya: Is local coal the cure for petrol woes?

The cost of manufacturing in Kenya could go down considerably once the country begins to exploit extensive coal reserves in Ukambani.

The coal deposits found in the swampy Mui basin in Kitui and Mwingi districts, is touted as the best alternative source of energy to cushion the economy against the adverse effects of high oil prices.
At present, 67 per cent of total power is generated from hydro sources, 10 per cent from geothermal and 23 per cent from thermal which are sensitive to fluctuating international fuel prices.

Mr Alfred Odawa, the acting chief geologist at the Ministry of Energy, says the anticipated exploitation of coal would free some of the country’s foreign exchange reserves for other purposes.

“With increasing world energy demand and rising oil prices, the exploitation of coal means that Kenya’s industrial development will be achieved at a faster rate,” he said.

Nation Media