Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects 2013/2014: Handing Over of The Project for the Installation of Solar Electric Facilities for Improvement of Living standards in Nkama Area
2014/11/7
| Title | Handing Over of The Project for the Installation of Solar Electric Facilities for Improvement of Living standards in Nkama Area |
| Date | 7th November, 2014 |
| Location | Nkama, Loitokitok District, Kajiado County |
| Project title | The Project for the Installation of Solar Electric Facilities for Improvement of Living Standards in Nkama Area |
| Amount | US$ 121,492 (Approx. Kshs 10 million) |
| Attendance |
Total of about 350 participants
|
| Main activity | The Handing Over Ceremony of The Project for the Installation of Solar Electric Facilities for Improvement of Living Standards in Nkama area which had its Grant Contract signed in March 2014, was held on 7th November 2014 at the South Mount Nkama Academy in Loitokitok, Kajiado County. The ceremony was attended by among others the Loitoktok Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Jeremiah Kikua and the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kenya H.E. Mr. Tatsushi Terada. The project consisted of installation of a set of total solar power system with a cargo container inclusive of solar power charging system from “Kyocera”. “Kyocera” is one of the top solar power manufacturers in Japan that has contributed significantly in the distribution of solar energy in the North-Eastern Tohoku region of Japan, a place that was thoroughly devastated by the great earthquake in 2011. Nkama area has challenges of accessing electricity and lack of electricity in individual households has forced the inhabitants to use kerosene lanterns which have not only caused serious health problems affecting eyes and respiratory organs but also generated financial shortages. When pupils are able to have safe and environmentally friendly lights for studying in the comfort of their homes at night, they perform better academically. In his speech, the Managing Director of Kyocera Mr. Kitamura assured the Nkama residents that for over the next 20 years they would be able to charge their solar lanterns and mobile phones using the solar power and thereby benefit from the solar technology of Kyocera. The installation of total solar power system inclusive of solar power charging system from “Kyocera” will surely improve the learning environment of the children and welfare of the entire community of Nkama. At the ceremony, Ambassador Terada and the Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Kikua toured the South Mount Nkama Academy facilities to see the newly installed solar power lights that would serve the school and the solar power charging system for the community centre. The ceremony which included songs and dances performed by pupils of South Mount Nkama Academy began with speeches from local officials who expressed their gratitude for the support received from the people and Government of Japan. In his remarks, Ambassador Terada congratulated Ushirika International and Kyocera for the successful completion of the project. The Ambassador quoted a message from the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe while in Ethiopia early this year stating that, “If Africa interacts deeply with Japan and Japanese companies, it will surely be easy for it to leverage its original strength. I believe that Africa will be able to acquire definite seeds towards the future.” Ambassador Terada hoped that the solar power project in collaboration with the Japanese company Kyocera would not only improve living conditions of the community but also enhance business opportunities between Kenya and Japan. |
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