Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects 2013/2014: Ground Breaking Ceremony of The Project for the Installation of Solar Electric Facilities for improvement of life standard in Nkama area

Tree-planting by Joseph Patiat, representative of the Member of National Assembly

Title	Ground Breaking Ceremony of The Project for the Installation of Solar Electric Facilities for improvement of life standard in Nkama area
Date	29th May, 2014
Location	Nkama, Loitokitok District, Kajiado County
Project title	The Project for the Installation of Solar Electric Facilities for improvement of life standard in Nkama area
Amount	US$ 121,492 (Approx. Kshs 9.8 million)
Attendance	H.E. Mr. Tatsushi Terada - The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kenya Mr. Robou Geruma - Assistant Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Joseph Patiat – Representative of the Member of National Assembly Mr. Lenad le katoo Olelejesu – Chief of Nkama Mr. Takeshi Yamayoshi – Kyocera staff Officials from Local Government The committee members of Ushirika International The management, teachers and pupils of South Mount Nkama Academy The community members of Nkama Total of about 300 participants
Main activity	The Ground Breaking Ceremony of The Project for the Installation of Solar Electric Facilities for improvement of life standard in Nkama area which had its Grant Contract signed in March 2014, was held in Loitokitok, Kajiado County and witnessed by among others, officials from the Embassy of Japan in Kenya. The Grant Contract availed funds to be used for the 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. 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. If pupils are able to have safe and environmentally friendly lights for studying in the comfort of their homes at night, they would perform better academically. The installation of total solar power system inclusive of solar power charging system from “Kyocera” is to improve the environment of education and welfare of the entire community of Nkama. The ground breaking ceremony included tree-planting, performances by school children and speeches. Mr. Robou Geruma , the Assistant Deputy County Commissioner thanked Japan for the promising project. In his remarks, Ambassador Terada congratulated Ushirika International for receiving the grant and commencing the project. He encouraged the representatives to complete the project on time in order to improve the living conditions of the community. The Ambassador quoted a message from the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe emphasized in his recent speech in Ethiopia, “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 project in collaboration with the Japanese company Kyocera would upon completion not only improve living conditions of the community but also enhance business opportunities between Kenya and Japan.

Photographs

Mr. Yano, Chairman of Ushirika International, giving project overview

Mr.Yamayoshi, Kyocera staff giving a speech

Mr. Robou Geruma - Assistant Deputy County Commissioner expressing gratitude to Japan for the support

Mr. Joseph Patiat expressing gratitude to Japan for the support

Mr. Lenad le katoo Olelejesu – Chief of Nkama, expressing gratitude to Japan for the support

Pupils hoisting the national flags of Kenya and Japan