Managers from Kenya’s Rural Electrification Authority, who visited Malaysia to tap into expertise which boosted the power supply throughout Malaysia.
Kenya looks to improve electricity supply in rural communities
22 April 2010
Public institutions such as schools and health centres are priority areas of focus
Senior managers from Kenya’s Rural Electrification Authority (REA) visited Kuala Lumpur last week to tap into the knowledge and expertise which have boosted the power supply throughout Malaysia.
They met up with experts from the country’s leading training institute, the Malaysian Utility Headquarters, the Energy Commission, the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department, and Ministries of Rural Development, Education, and Energy.
The efforts of these Departments and organisations are among those which have helped Malaysia reach 95 per cent power connectivity throughout the country, making it an ideal case study for Kenya to emulate.
What is south-south co-operation?
It is assistance provided by one developing country to another.
“By sharing our experiences, it is hoped Kenya will be able to implement its rural electrification plan successfully and in a short period of time,” said Datuk Dr Mohd Annas Md Nor, the former Chairman of the Energy Commission of Malaysia, and Director of the Malaysian Utility Headquarters.
The REA was established two years ago as a Government agency with the sole purpose of fast tracking electricity to rural public institutions such as schools, health centres, and communal points where villagers come to collect water.
What is agro-industry?
Industries that uses agricultural raw materials such as a coffee or tea. The industries create employment in the rural areas.
Hezekiah Mwalwala, who led the Kenyan delegation, said that one of the highlights of the visit was “learning the benefits of the power hybrid system which harnesses both solar and thermal energy”.
At the end of the visit, the REA, where Mr Mwalwala is Chief Engineer, resolved to send some of its engineers and technicians to Malaysian training institutes for further training.
“This trip is part of the Secretariat’s support for south-south cooperation and strengthening Public Service institutions in order to boost the efficiency and effective delivery of their services,” said Dunstan Maina, Dunstan Maina, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Governance and Institutional Development Adviser for East Africa.
“Getting electricity to rural areas is also an important way of curbing migration from rural to urban areas and creating employment opportunities for young people,” he added. “It will also encourage the establishment of agro-industry.”
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