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GDC receives $1.3m grant towards geothermal capacity building from Nordic Development Fund

GDC receives $1.3m grant towards geothermal capacity building from Nordic Development Fund Drilling crew at Menengai, Kenya (source: flickr/ GDC5000)
Alexander Richter 17 Feb 2018

Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has received a grant of up to $10.3 million for geothermal capacity building efforts by the Nordic Development Fund (NDF).

As reported by Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company (GDC), its staff will soon benefit from Kshs. 140 million ($1.3 million) from the Nordic Development Fund towards capacity building in areas of health, safety, environment and drilling.

Giving his remarks, MD & CEO Eng. Johnson P. Ole Nchoe thanked the Government for facilitating the grant which will assist to enhance existing capacities for GDC staff. “This program will ensure GDC becomes the world leader in the development of geothermal resources as we endeavor to lower energy costs cost in the country,” he noted.

The CEO added that the company was fast-tracking the Menengai Geothermal Project while the Lake Baringo-Silali infrastructural development works are in top gear.

The trainings will kick-off once a six (6) week comprehensive skill-gap analysis exercise worth Kshs10.7 million (~$110k) has been concluded. The exercise is aimed at identifying critical areas of need for capacity building and will be conducted by a local consultant Royal Oilfield Logistics, Services & Supplies Ltd (ROLSS).

Mr. James Mbote, ROLSS Managing Director, confirmed that the skill gap analysis will be conducted by internationally recognized experts who will evaluate and determine the skill gaps that need to be addressed for GDC to effectively deliver on its mandate. The consultants will also benchmark the company’s current operations against international best practice.

GDC MD & CEO Eng. Johnson P. Ole Nchoe (second left) hands over a contract document to the Royal Oilfield Logistics Services & Supplies Ltd (ROLSS) Managing Director Mr. James Mbote (centre). Looking on is GDC General Manager Strategy, Research and Innovation Dr. George Muia (far left), Company Secretary Ms. Beatrice Kosgey (second right) and General Manager HR and Administration Mr. Simon Kiplan’gat (far right)

Source: GDC