The great GDC marathon

Issue No.8 Apr. -May 2013 When GDC led Africa to new ways

Mine money in training

CEO’s dispatches birth big book

Steam Apr - May 2013 1 Play is good.

Yes. We support.

At GDC, we’re not all about rigs, drilling and exploration work.

We believe that play is good. We support internal and external sporting activities. We Power Sports.

2 Steam AprGDC - May 2013 IS NOW ISO 9001: 2008 CERTIFIED Editorial Committee Editorial Great hope ll life begins with a seed. But, all seeds are not are made equal. Con- sider the Chinese Bamboo tree. Unlike most other plants, the Chi- Anese bamboo is very unique. It takes four years to sprout from the day the seed is planted. Yet season after season the farmer continues to water the seed with great hope, knowing that in due course he will have a tall, Patron beautiful bamboo tree. Then on the fifth year, after a really long wait, the Dr. Silas Simiyu MD/CEO Chinese Bamboo seed at last sprouts and the tree shoots up to more than 80 feet, all in just one growing season! So what happened? The tree was actually Managing Editor developing itself underground, expanding its root system and building up a Ruth Musembi strong and solid foundation. Editor Like the Chinese bamboo seed, the GDC seed sown in 2009 is about Erick Wamanji to sprout into a huge tree that will supply endless, affordable and reliable electricity to Kenyans. It has been three years and several months since GDC Members opened its doors with a single mandate - to accelerate the development of Bruno Linyiru geothermal resources in Kenya. We have been building a solid foundation Martha Mburu and a strong root base in order to guarantee un-ending supply of geother- Gabriel Wetangula mal electricity. Jectone Tocho As a special purpose vehicle, GDC is a source of hope and we are aware Deborah Kalei that many wait with great expectation for the day electricity will become affordable. With a mission to develop 5000MW in the next 20 years, GDC The Team upon inception embarked on doing first things first. We assembled a great Erick Wamanji team, christened “The 5,000 Megawatt Team” which has been busy build- Deborah Kalei ing the foundation. We have so far developed 404MW of steam which once Godfrey Olali converted into electricity by next year, then, like the Chinese Bamboo tree, Evans Mutai Kenyans will attest of the great work that has happened behind the scenes. And now with our own four deep drilling rigs, with four more expected, Contributors GDC will definitely deliver a bumper harvest of clean, reliable and afford- Kiprotich Bii able energy. With a solid drilling program in place and an excellent drilling Evans Mutai crew, we have continued to open up new geothermal sites including our Godffrey Olali flagship Menengai Geothermal Project that was a case study in the Africa Enock Ngome Rift Geothermal Conference recently held in Nairobi. In this issue we bring John Lagat you a special report of the conference and how delegates agreed to fashion Sylvia Malimo geothermal projects after Menengai in terms of project design, funding and implementation. Circulation Talking of new prospects, GDC has concluded exploration work in the Wendy Amondi Suswa geothermal prospect and drilling is set to commence any time now. Find out the promise this new project holds for Kenya. We have continued Design & Layout to remove upfront risks that for many years deterred investors from ventur- Erick Wamanji ing into geothermal development. With a promising investment environ- ment more financiers and investors have expressed interest to work with us. Steam is an authoritative platform that reports on geothermal development in Kenya. It gives Now, we are looking at the carbon market as another funding avenue readers an understanding of the great potential given that geothermal is a green source of energy. Already Kenya’s environ- that exists in Kenya and how GDC is providing ment agency has approved the registration of two of our projects under the an enabling environment for investors to clean development mechanism (CDM). participate in the sector. With these stories, together with our regular columns and profiles, you Steam is published quarterly by the Geothermal Development Company Limited (GDC). Views have in your hands a dynamic publication that expressed in this publication do not necessarily will keep you informed about what has been reflect the position of GDC. happening under the surface. And once you are done reading, could you kindly drop us a ©All Rights Reserved 2013 line or two on your take regarding your favor- Geothermal Development Company Limited Taj Tower, Upper Hill 9th Floor ite geothermal energy publication? I am sure P.O. Box 100746-00101 you will. Nairobi Tel:+254 719 036 000 email: [email protected] www.gdc.co.ke Cheers! Ruth Steam Apr - May 2013 3 POST CARD

The lady, the trophy and the cheers! Moments of glory are rare to come by nowadays. Yet, Maurine Atieno, a Drilling Technician, seems to be basking in one. Everyone seems to be fired up, what we could’nt establish is Inside whether they all wanted a piece of the trophy or they were just celebrating for the star lady.

Special report - Marathon News - GDC in brief

6 Six feted for bravery The great run 18

Cover Story - Conference New

Step! 27 MD’s dispatches birth big book GDC leads Africa to chart new paths 15

Plus much, much more... 4 Steam Apr - May 2013 Your Letters Geothermal: investment spree Nov. 2012 - Feb.Issue 2013 No.7 in Kenya GDC readers say: The role model Now Tanzania thinks geothermal I got a copy of Steam and Geothermal Africa Quality during conference held in Tanzania. Thank The magazine has very good quality you so much for featuring our country in lay out and looks informative from your magazine. I know that with commit- the first page. It brings our fields such ment Tanzania will also reach the levels of Kenya in geothermal development. Our as Menengai, Silali, Paka to the pub- government is very keen in seeing that this lic. It is well-written in a short and country has enough energy. I also hope that When the president visited GDC precise way. one day I will come to Kenya to see Olkaria and Menengai sites. pg. 4 Steam Nov 2012-Feb 2013

Equity 1 Ali Omari I like how the Managing Direc- Geologist, tor writes. He articulates our issues University of Dar-e-Salam. clearly and cleverly. However, the magazine need to feature all the de- Not the old Menengai partments or most of them if space is I grew up near Menengai and Kilima. a constrain. Hope for Kenya Then, when young, we used to fear get- ting to the crater because we believed Prism When I read about your activities in ex- demons live there. Recently I took I see GDC through the colours, and ploration and drilling for geothermal a walk around the view point I was stories of this magazine. It’s unique energy, I’m so proud to be a Kenyan. We amazed by the steam that was coming and identifies GDC well right from have a heritage, we have experts and de- from the crater. It is interesting that all the cover terminaton. There is hope for this coun- these years, Menengai was hosting a big try to get a lot of electricity so that even resource that can change our country Unveiled our rural areas can get power. Please, for good. At least now I don’t fear going GDC, keep up the good work. to Menengai. In your last issue you unveiled the Ben Oloo, Peter Kamau, PIT experts. The company has a lot Kisumu Nairobi. of bankable resource that the Steam has now brought to light. Let’s utilise the brains. Drop us mail The Editor welcomes letters on topical issues. Write to the Editor, Steam, Geothermal Development Company, P.O. Box 100746- 00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Email: [email protected]. The Editor reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity.

IN FOCUS Cornel Ofwona (centre) explains a point to GDC’s Chairman (fourth left), the MD (right) and GDC directors who had toured the Menengai Project I n F ocus

Steam Apr - May 2013 5 THE LAST WORD Geothermal remains king

irst things first. We at GDC national development. And so, our cur- wish to take this opportunity rency will be stronger, and our people’s to congratulate the President lifestyles will tremendously improve. H.E. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta and Beyond Menengai, we are also FDeputy President, H.E. Hon. William keendly focusing on the Bogoria-Silali Ruto on their election, inauguration Block where financiers are ready to sup- and formation of a new vibrant govern- port our operations. We are also work- ment. The new establishment is a source ing on the Suswa prospect where our of hope and energy to a nation that is on scientists have rececently completed ex- the tip of an economic revolution. ploration studies. At GDC we embody the new order We know too well that our jua kali as a Special Purpose Vehicle that is de- sector will make great mileage with elec- signed to oil the new economic dispen- tricity at its disposal. We know too that sation – of epic growth – through the with adequate electricity, we shall, as a development of geothermal resources nation, spur local production, afford so abounding within our counties. our little ones the benefits of studying The role of energy in the Vision 2030 on well-lit desks and save our environ- mix is critical for powering the desired ment. No doubt the youth will find industrialisation phase. In our country, a new way of life once we achieve our only geothermal has proved to be the goals. most reliable and affordable source of energy. To crown it, geothermal is green Perfect recipe and therefore blends perfectly with the Geothermal, on its own right is a major new global environmental and econom- employer. Couple this with increasing ic order. In the energy domain, geother- interest from investors to establish pow- At GDC we embody mal is king. er plants and the fact that others would Four years since the creation of GDC, want to take advantage of our green en- the new order as a we are happy that we have 59 wells of ergy, and you have a recipe for spectacu- Special Purpose Vehi- steam in Olkaria with a total of 354 lar national growth. MWe. The Olkaria steam will power the We are glad that the government has cle that is designed to 280 MWe Olkaria I&IV power plants. integrated geothermal as a core strand oil the new economic The Menengai Geothermal Proj- in economic growth. The government ect which is undergoing development has continued to provide all the requi- dispensation is perhaps our finest in the mid-term. site support for GDC to deliver. Going to be Africa’s largest, Menengai As a nation whose sovereignty is sa- will completely change the energy eq- cred, and which takes pride in self-suf- “ uitation in the country. The first phase ficiency, geothermal energy remains key targets 400 MWe by 2017. Two years to the achievement of national dreams. since drilling began, we have harnessed While most people may not quite know 50 MWe. We have four deep drilling rigs how electricity from geothermal is gen- on site where a team of passionate and erated, they will indeed feel its impact dedicated engineers work day and night. once the steam we have is converted into This 400 MWe is a third of what electricity. this country generates today. It means that the dollars used to import diesel Dr. Silas Simiyu, M.B.S to generate electricity will be saved and Managing Director & CEO channeled to other deserving areas of Geothermal Development Company

6 Steam Apr - May 2013 People hen he came to Menengai in 2011, Wthe immediate for- mer Minister for Energy, Hon. Kiraitu Murungi was lost for The minister, the words. “This is brilliant,” he exclaimed as he marveled at the well that roared with steam gushing out. law and a jig That was Thursday May 27, 2011. The Menengai Well-01 forward. activist, the politician and the including “the radical surgery” had just discharged a few days Hon. Kiraitu is a strong be- family man, is no doubt a man of the judiciary, and the Gov- earlier, and Hon. Kiraitu was no liever of geothermal energy. It of action. Born in Kionyo, ernance, Justice, Law and Order doubt enchanted by the site. is under his watch that the sec- Meru at the height of the Mau Sector (GJLOs) program. Later, addressing the press, tor blossomed and boomed. He Mau Struggle in 1952, he grew Hon. Kiraitu believes that he affirmed thus: “As a govern- also offered immense guidance up with his mother in a deten- provision of adequate reliable ment we’re committed towards to the technocrats in the sector. tion camp. His father, Daniel and affordable energy services the development of geothermal It is to his credit that interna- Kiraitu, was one of the key Mau is a critical catalyst of a modern resources. GDC is a flagship tional financiers fell head over Mau leaders in Meru. industrialising economy. project in the Ministry of En- heels to come on board the na- An ‘A’ student, he attended The Rural Electrification ergy and the government will tional geothermal dream. He Kariene and Kionyo Primary program has witnessed many support it fully.” was indeed the geothermal man. Schools and later Chuka Boys schools and health facilities And support, in deed, has And it did not end in Menen- connected to power grid. been pouring in. Menengai is gai. If you go to He has also provided thriving. GDC Olkaria, in the GDC is a flagship project in the leadership in the imple- is march- past four years, Ministry of Energy and the government mentation of the Energy i n g there has been t r e m e n d o u s will support it fully. Sector Policy Framework growth. Of spelt out in the Sessional course, under Hon. Kiraitu, the Paper No.4 of 2004, High School and Alliance Boys which laid down a National 280 MWe Olkaria I&IV power High School. Kiraitu studied plants were commissioned. He Energy Policy Framework for law at the University of Nai- provision of quality, adequate, is also credited for massive rural robi to Masters level. He would electrification in the country sustainable, cost-effective and later proceed to the prestigious affordable energy services for and the incisive restructuring of Harvard Law School where he the energy sector. socio-economic development studied International Law and over the period 2004 – 2023. Then he was an MP. Now he Human Rights. He obtained an- is a Senator for Meru County. other Masters Degree. Kiraitu Senator Kiraitu’s public life has The dancer has won many scholarships The Sessional Paper, committed been of distinction and accom- including FORD Foundation plishments. In fact, it is a great the Government to the enact- and Robert F. Kennedy Centre ment of an Energy Act to fa- disservice to the story of his for Human Rights. He has also life, to attempt it on a magazine cilitate prudent regulation and worked for American Civil Lib- enhance stakeholder interests, like Steam; he deserves a erties Union (ACLU) in Wash- book. including boosting of investor ington D.C. confidence. The law- At the Kenya School of Law, yer, the The philanthropic politi- Kiraitu won the best Law Stu- cian runs the ‘Kiraitu Murungi h u m a n dent Prize in 1978. Kiraitu has r i g h t s Foundation’ that supports taught both at the University of bright students from Meru. It Nairobi and the Kenya School also promotes the Ameru cul- of Law. An academic in his own tural songs and dances. And right, Kiraitu has published talking of dances, when he came many articles and authored two to Menengai, and after all the books In the mud of Politics, and speeches had been made and The Song of My Beloved. the tour completed, Kiraitu As Minister for con- took to the dance floor together stitutional and Legal with his wife, and impressed the Affairs, he spearhead- audience with his twisty dance. ed the epic constitu- We at GDC wish Hon. Kiraitu tional review pro- the very best in his endeavors. cess, and justice and legal sector reforms, Steam Apr - May 2013 7 NEWS

Hey, yours looks better... After being feted with plaques of honour, these staff seem to be admiring their counterparts’ trophy. Hmmm, is the tea in your cup sweeter?

perience gave them hope. “We want to thank you for the com- mitment. We were so scared that night Heroes of exploration when the pilot said that he came back and never found you. We really appreciate you and that’s why as Excom, we decided today GDC fetes staff who endured odds to deliver scientific results to fete and celebrate you,” said the MD, Dr. Silas Simiyu, who graced the occasion. Six GDC staff were recently feted for en- Kiptui, Chebon Chebet, and Nicholas during the most difficult circumstances in He assured the team that “you will live Muli who are all GRA Laboratory Techni- long and see Silali power plants develop.” the line of duty early this year. cians, Samson Ongwae, a GRA Electron- Five staff from Geothermal Resource “Be proud of what happened to you. ics Technician and Paul Pakka, a Commu- The lessons learnt will truly encourage Assessment Department (GRA) and an of- nity Relations Officer. ficer from Community Relations Depart- others in the department,” he advised. “We made a decision that when worse While addressing the Suguta heroes, ment were recognized for withstanding a comes to the worst, we die as a group. chilling one-night ordeal in the far-flung Dr. Peter Omenda, the General Manager, We switched off our phones and nobody said “by God’s Grace you came back in and dreaded Suguta Marmar Valley dur- talked even for a moment save for Pakka ing a seismic study exercise. high spirits.” (Paul) who communicated to the Com- John Lagat, the Manager, GRA and Their tribulation ended more than munity Relations Manager. Our fear was 24-hours later, when a rescue chopper Godwin Mwawongo, Chief Manager, the presence of wild animals and armed Technical Services added that the explor- came for them after spending the chilly bandits,” narrated Lumire, when the team night amid bandit-prone and wildlife- ers were really courageous. were treated to a luncheon by the Execu- These are some of the challenges that infested ghostly valley which late last year tive Committee (EXCOM) members and saw the killing of over a dozen security GDC staff go through in an effort to get the MD at a Nairobi hotel. Kenya some clean, green and affordable personnel. The team however, added that the ex- The six were Kenneth Lumire, Gilbert geothermal energy

You’ll live long and see Silali power plants develop. - Dr. Simiyu 8 Steam Apr - May 2013 “ NEWS WB to fund Menengai

Bank set to facilitate a steam gather- ing system for the emerging geothe- mal project established at a caldera in the Great Rift Valley

The World Bank Group will support the Energy... a well discharging steam in Menengai. With a huge potential, Menengai Geother- Menengai Geothermal Project to the tune of mal Project is attracting diverse financing $ 120 million. The money will go the steam gathering system. Menengai Project. “I have visited several As specialists from the World Bank, we are Speaking during a tour of the project, six geothermal sites in Africa and I’m generally very happy with what GDC has done in the Bretton Woods specialists assured GDC that happy with the pace at which Kenya has ac- last few years,” said Motohashi who led the the bank is at hand to support geothermal celerated the development of geothermal,” delegation. development in the country. added Belete. Other officials from the WB who vis- “Count on us as your allies. We’re happy According to the WB Energy and Fi- ited include Achim Fock, who is the bank’s with the progress so far and the general laid nance Specialist Mits Motohashi, the bank County Program Coordinator for Kenya, down strategies you’ve put in place,” said will endeavor to support GDC in develop- Eritrea and Rwanda, Josephine Kabura, a Nathan Belete, the bank’s sector leader in ing the 5000MW targeted by 2030 in line financial management specialist for Africa, sustainable development who represents with Kenya’s development blueprint, Vi- Evans Osano who is a senior securities mar- Kenya, Eritrea, Rwanda and Somalia. sion 2030 “This is the fourth time I’ve been ket specialist at the International Finance The officials also applauded GDC for to Menengai; and every time I come, I find Corporation (IFC) and Lucy Kang’arua implementing very comprehensive Health, great progress which is very encouraging. who is a programe specialist. Environmental and Safety initiatives at the India, US, Germany to fund geothermal projects

Key financial institutions will avail funds for have been conducting baseline survey and the development of Bogoria-Silali geother- collection of baseline data to know the mal prospects. extent of the resource and the results are GDC has received a total of $400 million great,” said GRA’s Sylvia Malimo who has (about 34 billion) from the US Exim Bank been coordinating the exercise. and the German Development Bank (KfW) The estimated geothermal potential in towards opening up the geothermal fields. the Suswa geothermal prospect is 1000MW Part of the US funding goes to the pur- The GDC Community Relations team chase of two additional drilling rigs, assort- has held community sensitization meetings ed drilling materials and modular power to introduce the project and obtain views plants. This will bring to eight the number from the community regarding their needs of rigs that GDC will own since its inception and expectations. slightly over three years ago. Already, the India Exim Bank has The Bogoria-Silali Block is an important pledged to finance the development of the project that will open up an entirely new Suswa geothermal prospect. field for investment opportunities. GDC scientists have conducted surface explora- tion in the area whose detailed surface stud- ies estimate its geothermal potential at least 34 billion 3,000MW. amount in Kenya Shillings GDC’s plan is to facilitate the develop- ment of the fields in phases of 800 MW. pledged for the Bogoria Silali Prospect... a steam jet in Lake Bogoria. The Elsewhere GDC has completed surface Block region is a geothermal belt exploration for the Suswa prospect. “We Steam Apr - May 2013 9 NEWS - The board A rich profile New faces in the board Engineer James Owino Okwero has a wide experi- The learned friend of geothermal ence in the areas Dr. Stephen Njiru Adviser to the Government), public bodies, of standardiza- is an Advocate of International Corporations and other firms. the High Court of tion, quality He has also been a lecturer of Law, hav- Kenya with over 20 management ing taught at the University of Manchester. years international system, cor- Njiru is also widely experienced in the areas experience as a lawyer, porate gov- of Public / Constitutional Law, Legal Sys- and in private prac- e r n a n c e , tems and Methods, Law of Contract, Torts, tice, with government civil en- Criminal Law, International Economic Law (Public sector) and in gineering, insti- and Human Rights. He has Worked and academia. tutional management and project conducted research on the Bretton Woods He has undertaken all aspects of Le- planning. From 2003 - 2006, he served as the Institution including the World Bank, Inter- gal Practice including Criminal, Civil and Chairman and Board Member of the Na- national Monetary Fund, World Trade Or- Commercial Litigation. His main fields have tional Standards Council, at the Kenya Bu- ganization and World Intellectual Property been Constitutional and Public Law, Inter- Organization. reau of Standards Board of Directors, where national Economic Law, Legal Systems and He was the Head of the Technical team he oversaw the implementation of policies Services, Municipal and International Law. on the Constitution of Kenya which oversaw and critical governance issues. Dr. Njiru who is the Chairman of the Le- the Constitution Review Process leading to A BSc graduate in Civil Engineering gal and Regulatory Committee of the GDC the promulgation of the New Constitution from the University of Nairobi, Mr. Okwero Board of Directors, is also a member of the in Kenya. is also widely experienced in design and su- Finance Committee of the Board. He was appointed to the GDC Board as pervision of infrastructure, having worked He has advised governments (including an Independent Director in 2012. before in both public and private sectors. He the Government of Kenya as a State Coun- was instrumental in developing and super- sel and also as a Special Consul and Legal vising several standards and code of practice for the construction and manufacturing in- dustries in Kenya. Educationist with feathery hat Mr. Okwero is a former Commissioner An alumni of of State Commendation (HSC), 1994 and at the Poverty Eradication Commission the prestigious Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS), 2011. (PEC) in the Ministry of State for Planning, Alliance High Before joining GDC, he was a Director National Development and Vision 2030, School and the at Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) where and the CEO of Lake Victoria Fish Ltd in University of he served between 2007 and early 2013. Kisumu. Previously, he served as a Director Nairobi, Mr. Jo- Previously, he was a Commissioner at and a Board Member at the Kenya Pipeline seph Kinyua is a the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Company (KPC) and had a brief stint at the career education- and a principal at Kenya Science Teachers Ministry of Public Works. ist with an experi- College. Mr. Kinyua is currently serving ence spanning over as the Treasurer of Athletics Kenya (AK) three decades. His where he has worked since 1996. He is Mr. Okwero is also widely outstanding service also the current Chairman of the Board to the nation in public and private, saw him of Management at Mount Kenya Univer- experienced in design and su- awarded two esteemed State Honours: Head sity’s Nkubu Campus in Meru County. pervision of“ infrastructure. At home in geothermal Mr. Timothy O. Mulaha, HSC, Alternate he honed his skills in global geothermal de- management, geothermal energy devel- Director to the PS, Ministry of Energy velopment. opment and utilization. He is also a re- Timothy is leading Geologist whose career Timothy holds a B.SC (Hons), Geol- spected authority in spans several years working in the Gov- ogy from the University of Nairobi; M.Sc his area of expertise, ernment circles. Currently, he is the Se- (magna cum laude approbatur) Geology having authored sev- nior Principal Superintending Geologist and Mineralogy, University of Helsinki; eral publications. in charge of the Geothermal Resources Certificate, National Geothermal Academy, He brings along a Division at the Ministry of Energy Head- University of Nevada, Reno; Certificate, wealth of geological quarters. Economic and Financial Appraisal of En- expertise needed at In 2012, he attended a geothermal en- ergy Projects, Jomo Kenyatta University of GDC as the company ergy development and utilization at the Agriculture and Technology. strives to achieve the renowned National Geothermal Academy Timothy has also been widely trained in 5,000MWe. at the University of Nevada, Reno, where the areas of remote sensing, geological data

10 Steam Apr - May 2013 REGIONAL GEOTHERMAL NEWS Tanzania fashions framework for steam

anzania seeks to diversify the power future,” he noted. generation mix in the national grid According to Mr. Masele, lack of existence of a Tsystem by increasing the proportion renewable energy policy, legal and regulatory of natural renewable energy sources, says frameworks is among challenges behind renew- Deputy Minister for Minerals, Mr. Stephen able energy production including geothermal. Masele. Other challenges include inadequate aware- This effort got a boost with the work- ness to decision-makers and land planners, shop on Geothermal Legal and Regulatory capacity to develop geothermal Framework held recently in Dar es salam. and high cost of geothermal “We have noted that electricity demand exploration. But perhaps in the country is increasing rapidly due to the biggest challenge accelerated productive investments and is in capacity. Skilled population; with the plan in line, we will in- human resource crease electrification status in the country,” in the specialised he said. area of geother- Mr. Masele considers geothermal re- mal development sources as one of the indigenous power gen- is hard to come eration sources to be developed for expand- by in Tanzania. ing power supply. Estimates put the The Tanzania government is putting in number of trained place the required policy, legal and regula- geothermal experts tory frameworks for geothermal develop- at only eight. ment. It is also mobilizing more funds for The British High detailed geothermal resources assessment Commission and the and mapping. Green Investment Fund Educationist with feathery hat “The government through the Ministry (CIF) supported the workshop of Energy has already formed a task force aimed at discussing the subject re- to strategize and advise the government garding geothermal legal and regulatory frame- on how geothermal resources development work. GDC drilling technicians at work in efforts could be effectively strengthened, Conservative estimates indicate that Tanzania has the Menengai Geothermal Project. coordinated and streamlined to achieve about 650 MWe of geothermal potential. Part of Unlike Kenya, Tanzania’s geother- geothermal energy production in the near the country falls under the East African Rift Sys- mal industry is yet to kick off. tem.

These projects led to the drilling of six Djibouti’s next big assignment exploration wells. According to AfDB, peak power de- he Horn of Africa nation of Dji- Djibouti on the development of a 50 MW mand in Djibouti is about 75 megawatts bouti is quickly moving towards power plant in the region. and this figure may increase to 138 mega- meeting its national energy needs The geothermal resources in Lake Assal watts by 2015 and 219 megawatts by 2035. T The bank in a statement, adds that by setting up a new geothermal facility at area show a high temperature variation. the touristic Lake Assal region. “The Assal area in the Republic of Dji- electricity network covers only 50 percent Djibouti is working with the Afri- bouti has attracted the interest of scientists of the country. can Development Bank (AfDB) which as a potential area for the development of Djibouti began importing power from will fund the project touted to become a geothermal power plant for production of neighboring Ethiopia after the construc- key tourism attraction site alongside the electricity of the energy starving nation,” tion of a transmission line connecting the Ghoubbet El Kharab bay and the Ardou- says a report published by Rejkjavik Energy two countries. koba Volcano. Invest regarding the exploration status in Lake Assal is located in the middle of the Assal region. the country, in a closed depression at the The main exploration work in the re- northern end of the Great Rift Valley. Situ- gion was carried out in the 1970s and 1980s ated in the Danakil Desert, it is bounded in projects carried out in co-operation be- The Assal area in the Repub- by hills on the western region. tween the Government of Djibouti and Recently, AfDB in a statement said that United Nations Development Programme lic of Djibouti has attracted it was working with the government of (UNDP). the interest of scientists Steam Apr“ - May 2013 11 INTERNATIONAL GEOTHERMAL NEWS

Some power plants in Iceland. The country has an abundance of geothermal energy but opinion is divided whether to export or attract users to the country. Too much energy Iceland’s excess geothermal energy sends technocrats thinking

f a country has an overabundance of a fibers. globally coveted product, should it ex- be a lot more products. Iceland desperately needs someone to port it or keep the product for its own Invest in Iceland is actively pursuing I huge data centers, fish farms, industrial-scale use its geothermal energy. Indeed some be- use? That is the question that Icelanders are lieve that in Iceland, it may be coming to grappling with regarding the country’s vast greenhouses and other industries hoping to a “use it or lose it” situation regarding the and overabundant supply of clean energy. lure investors to set up shop in Iceland and cheap abundant green energy it has to offer. Iceland is grappling with what to do take advantage of the country’s abundant, with all of its abundant geothermal energy. cheap clean energy. They brought over nine In May 2012, a proposal to build a huge And many Icelanders feel that export is journalists to the nation this March to show interconnector cable between Iceland and not the answer. Instead, the country hopes them what the country has to offer. the U.K. was put on the table through an to attract large energy end-users to the Industries that use large amounts of agreement between the Icelandic and U.K country so they can benefit from the cheap, power are well suited for Iceland, and com- governments. If built, the interconnector 100 percent green power that Iceland pro- panies that can take more than one form would allow Iceland utilities like Reykjavik vides. of energy are the best fit. For example a “We already do export the power,” said greenhouse would use electricity for light- Energy to sell its green power, at premium Invest in Iceland Director, Thordur Hilmars- ing and heat from the low-temp geothermal prices, to the U.K. and in the EU where son, “We export it through the products that wells to power its operations. Data centers clean power is needed to fulfill mandates. are created by energy-de- would take advantage of the Iceland’s President Ólafur Ragnar Gríms- pendent industries.” low cost of electricity and son offered six reasons why the prospect of For now, those prod- almost non-existent cooling building the cable is interesting. ucts include aluminum costs that Iceland offers. “If “This will provide clean energy to the from Alcoa, Fish from the data center gets too hot, European grid, not only Britain but through Stolt Sea Farm and sili- they can just open the win- Britain to the European grid in a bigger way con metal from Globe Iceland is grappling dows,” said Project Manager than any other clean energy project within Kristinn “Kiddy” Haflida- Europe,” he said Specialty Metals, but if with what to do with Hilmarsson and his com- son. Invest in Iceland is also patriots have their way, all of its abundant looking to attract emerging someday soon that will energy-intensive industries geothermal energy. such as advanced carbon Compiled from internet sources 12 Steam Apr - May 2013 “ person to be productive. Most learning in- stitutions specialize in the traditional ICT @ the info Superhighway fields despite the fact that the environment has changed. The other challenge is the

UP-CLOSE ever changing ICT environment. There is Questions for Charles Sitonik, convergence in technology, whereby most devices are IT enabled. This complicates 10 Manager, ICT provision of services, for example in mobile telephones. Security also becomes another headache due to the varied accessing devices What does your department systems come into play. Licensing, upgrades and social media explosion. 1do? and general support is also lacking. There The ICT department’s function is cross-cut- are not many drilling software in the mar- How are you overcoming these ket. Some well-established drilling firms ting. The department seeks to address the challenges? connectivity by harnessing emerging tech- have developed their in-house systems that 6 are very effective in drilling operations but In GDC, we give a lot of emphasis on build- nologies to enhance productivity and per- ing capacity through training and attaching formance. Modernizing the infrastructure they don’t sell to the general public. Those available like RIMBase provide reporting our employees with other well-established and services that support operational activi- organizations. In so doing, our staff take a ties of GDC is a priority of the department. solutions for daily drilling reports and re- lated well information generated during the shorter time to “mature” as dependable ICT life cycle of the well. experts. We have also invested a lot in tech- Why is ICT important in geo- nology in order to mitigate emerging issues. thermal operations? What are the milestones you 2 What kind of team do you need Besides the running of day-to-day activities, have covered? ICT is important in the field and has been 4 We laid the ICT framework and a base infra- 7to operate in the geothermal applied and relied upon in exploration, structure critical for any office operations. world? drilling and reservoir simulation. These include computer networks using We require people who are keen and have a cables or wireless links and installation of lot of interest in work. It calls for extra effort How unique is the geothermal hardware and software. The staff computer to provide solutions in this field. Take an ex- 3sector in relation to ICT? ratio currently is 2:1 which is recommended ample of a place like the Silali geothermal In the geothermal sector, most software in by the government. prospect. The place is in a remote area with use are mostly products of individual efforts Our automation saw the implementation of no fibre networks and even GSM coverage or those of specialized institutions. For ex- the SAP ERP platform. This is a major score. is limited. Innovative ways are required to ample, GDMan software which is used in provide ICT services in such an area. most geoscience disciplines was developed What are the challenges of the by an individual although it was later to be What kind of team do you today’s ICT sector? bought off by an established software firm. 5 have? When software is not conventional in na- The main challenge is getting the right 8 skills in the market that suit a sector like I have a hardworking team of 24 staff that ture, issues of compatibility and interoper- has worked tirelessly to provide this essen- ability with other software and operating geothermal. Organizations therefore have to spend time and resources preparing the tial service for the last three years. We have presence in all the four areas of GDC (Nai- robi, Naivasha, Nakuru and Menengai). For a rapidly growing company like GDC, that number is not sufficient. Teamwork has made the team be able to do a lot in such a short time.

What’s ICT’s role in achieving 95,000 MWe? ICT is a vehicle that facilitates the smooth execution of duties using technology. That way our staff in their different capacities can deliver appropriately.

What would you like to see 10GDC achieving? Of course the 5, 000 MWe. But I also like to see GDC being a global player in geothermal energy driven by modern ICT platforms.

Steam Apr - May 2013 13 - Profiles Lessonet’s Lessons FEATURES Eric Wamanji talks to a man who dreams and speaks geothermal

he Nairobi skyline quickly is quiet with a few patrons absorbed in feathers from a splash of ember tittle-tattle. The chandeliers beam faint Tto faint purple as dusk enve- golden-yellow light that is reflected lopes towering steel and glass. Drivers on the glistening smooth railings, the switch on the headlights. City bulbs, in- colour of gold too. By every measure, cluding neon, flicker to life randomly. we’re in a cathedral of capitalism and This evening the roads are in a dizzying opulence. tangle, typical of Nairobi’s traffic on “My dream is to see that my constit- Fridays – yet, it’s my last chance to seize uency is transformed from peasantry an interview with a man who is leaving to an economic power house. Energy the city in the next few hours. will be key to that transformation. And Finally at Laico Regency, I take two as you know, our Baringo has plenty steps a time to the Mezzanine restau- of geothermal energy,” he winks, then rant, amid serenading waves at the waiter. tunes and the smell of More nuts; more masala freshly-brewed coffee. tea. Masala for me too. Moses Lessonet, the soft- “I’m a fun of tea because I spoken MP for Eldama don’t drink alcohol,” he offers. Ravine has arrived. He also enjoys murski (sour Lessonet is the first We parlia- milk) with ugali and local MP to become a member mentarians greens. “That’s a great meal. It’s of the Geothermal Asso- healthy.” It explains perhaps his ciation of Kenya (GAK). and people mid-size physique. He is a firm believer of Baringo “We parliamentarians and in geothermal energy are proud people of Baringo are proud of as critical to economic GDC. I think you have a very emancipation. of GDC. I visionary leader. Within three In and outside par- think you years, he changed the face of liament, he has fervently geothermal energy in this echoed the geother- have a very country,” he says of the MD. mal agenda. This zeal visionary Dr. Silas Simiyu. is understandable. His “leader. It’s the period just before and clinics. I’ve done my best. The verdict is with the Baringo County hosts the general election campaigns people,” he says. immense geothermal and the MP who aspires to re- That’s fairly true. The following weekend trav- deposits. He is betting on this vast re- capture the seat is on the edge. elled to Ravine. It’s a typical village constituency. Still, source to transform his people’s lives. “My team is already on the ground. here, locals are proud of their MP. “Give him credit “I got hooked to geothermal in I’m also heading there after this inter- for water and electricity,” said one. “He has also used 2011,” he says after a firm handshake. view. I’ll be back after the election.” the CDF money properly,” another identifying him- Of course there is no time for pleas- What are your chances of a comeback? self as Kirui tells us. antries. He is a man in the election I wonder aloud. “I’m confident I’ll win. “It is not easy being a member of parliament. You mode. “Then, GDC took MPs through There’s competition yes, but I stand a go out of your way; you network and knock on doors. a workshop on geothermal and its ben- high chance.” I thank God that all the doors opened,” says the man efits. We also toured geothermal sites essonet recalls that in his esti- who quotes verse and chapter at least three times. across the country. I was impressed that mation he has outdone himself He takes a quick audit of his first five years that we had such a huge potential.” Lin development. “You can do he explains were filled with knocking doors and pes- Today, clad in a dark-blue blazer, due diligence. Almost everyone is con- tering public offices to deliver services to his people. and khaki trousers, Lessonet easily nected to electricity and water. The Audits are his mainstay. As a trained accountant munch nuts and sip masala tea. Laico CDF money has also gone to schools To pg. 14 14 Steam Apr - May 2013 make it? But here I am.” She also recalls that she was promoted to head a school at a tender age. “I did not apply for the promotion. If The rise of anything I was just a classroom teacher. I needed perhaps to rise through the ranks, become a senior teacher then a deputy be- fore being a school head. But one morning an education officer came to my school with Sally Towett a letter of promotion; God works in miracu-

FEATURES - Profiles lous ways,” she testifies. By now you understand that Ms. tired from public life, she got appointed as a f you want a bit of laughter, hang Towett’s love of God is deep. Well, what director at GDC. around Mrs. Sally Towett, a director at do you expect from an assistant pastor? At “I received a call from the Ministry of the Geothermal Development Com- her Kericho village, she assists her pastor at Energy to announce my appointment,” she Ipany. the African Gospel Church. She offers her recalls then splits into a laughter. “I thought Standing at 5.3’’ Mrs. Towett sparks to expertise as an educationist in support of it was a prank! I was speechless.” laughter on every inquiry into her journey evangelization. And so, she found herself in a geother- to the top. And her laughter is infectious. “I grew up in a strict Christian family. mal business she had never dreamt of. “I Nothing in her motherly aura betrays the I went to Christian schools and my faith didn’t know much about geothermal ener- fact that she was a headmistress – typically never changed. When I retired I got busy in gy. But since my work is to provide guidance associated with stern-face and ice-cold eyes. church activities. I was appointed to assist and leadership, I took up the challenge.” In fact, the classroom image of “madam,” our pastor.” The director cuts a true image of the the stern administrator, is conspicuously modern-day corporate woman. Indeed, her To pg. 14 missing. From her sheer dressing – ash-grey talk is speckled with such terminologies as suit, white blouse and neatly done hair, you ‘strategy,’ ‘bottom-line,’ and ‘bottlenecks’ a come closer to a corporate lady. clear reflection of a boardroom operative. Mrs. Towett chairs the Board’s Human But, ideally this is not the kind of life- Resources Committee. She prides herself style that Sally Towett dreamt of. While and the team in HR for having crafted an growing up in Kericho, chances were very employee-friendly HR policy. high that she would never go beyond Class “Working as a HR advisor is not easy. Seven. Then, girls were married off barely You know in Kenya everyone is looking for out of their teens. Yet, she chose to go to a job and there is pressure on you from peo- secondary school becoming the first girl ple who want jobs. Yet, this is a public in- from her village to achieve such a feat. She stitution that needs to abide by government would later admire the teaching profession regulations,” she explains. so much that after O-levels she enrolled as But before bidding chalk and duster bye, an S1 teacher at Kenyatta Univer- she had her roller-coaster stint as an educa- sity. Still this formation of tionist working in different schools in the teaching and humble be- former Rift Valley and Nairobi Provinces. ginnings, she reckons were And she loved it. not preparatory enough “There is nothing like teaching. The joy for the boardroom of a of a teacher is fulfilled when students com- strategic company like plete school and achieve good results,” she GDC. enthuses. However, teaching has its own The mother of challenges. Indiscipline cases top the list of six children is of the headaches. At times the community is in- strong conviction different especially when it demands that that this far it’s all children be admitted to a school which is God’s big plan. provincial or national by nature in spite of “Most of the performance. things I have Before her retirement in 2003, Madam achieved always Sally also acted in diverse capacities such found me off- as the national treasurer for the Kenya Na- guard. Take tional Drama Festival and the secretary of the example KNUT, Kericho Branch. In 2007 she hun- of getting to kered to vie as a councilor in Kericho but the board of her friends dissuaded her. directors of Her last assignment as a teacher was as GDC. Who the principal at St. Teresa Secondary School, would expect Eastleigh. a teacher to But just when she thought she had re- Steam Apr - May 2013 15 - Profiles The rise of Sally Towett Frm pg. 12 Frm pg. 13 Sally’s desires for knowledge are un- at her farm in Kericho. She is a manager at beatable. Even when she had made a mark home, so she says. She makes sure that tea in her career and had a family, she grabbed is picked, land is tilled and sugar cane cut an opportunity to advance her education for the factory. She is also in the women in Scotland. She attained a bachelors de- economic empowerment programme in gree specializing in educational studies. her locality promoting a concept called FEATURES And her quest for learning did not stop “table banking.” In this concept, women there. Picture this: Kuala Lumpur. A class assemble together like in a merry-go- of about 10 is in session and part of the round, contribute money and get loans training includes some jumping. She joins over the table. The money is never taken the class into the exercise. Much as she has to the bank. “We hope one day, it will been a teacher, she patiently listens to the grow into a bank,” she says. instructor, she asks and answers questions “I like the countryside. It’s peaceful,” and follows the routine as like a diligent she says. And her family and her husband student. are the greatest pillars. “They have stood Today, when she is not in Nairobi or by me as I pursued studies and an illustri- Nakuru attending board meetings, she is ous career. I owe them.”

Produce Board, moved to Dubai for a one-year stint and then joined KCB as an internal audi- Lessonet’s Lessons tor. He resigned for politics in 2007. Frm pg. 12 After the last nut has just institution and a sound work parliament.” complete with CPA -K, a degree been munched and the last sip ethic for the general growth. and an MBA in Accounting swallowed, it’s about 9:00pm. “Family is important. Sadly to- A trek for sweet-heart from the University of Nairobi, Outside, under the flutter of day most marriages are found- Memories of his youth in Kabi- Lessonet understands how to numerous flags, at the entrance, ed on quicksand. They end up moi where he grew up seeming- map out situations. a butler salutes and the water breaking. Regrettably, it’s a bat- ly ooze to the present. He stops He pauses then declares that fountain whispers an ode for tered institution,” he reflects. clasps his hands in a pensive po- the twenty-first century audit the lawmaker. The city is bright Himself a father of two sition as if going back in time. is not about histories. It’s not and lively. Traffic has teenage children, he thanks God “It was interesting,” he recollects about checking vouchers and untangled and we that his has been a wonderful then spreads his hands, his eyes receipts; it’s about looking into wish mheshimiwa marriage. He has fond words dilating and voice drops a deci- the future and detecting risks for his wife whom he describes bel. luck. and mitigating them. as “the love of my life… very “Then, in the afternoons, I Small wonder he is futur- Editor’s note: understanding… very support- used to carry a piece of bar soap istic in his talk -he dreams of Lessonet was ive. ” down to the river for a bathe. an ICT village in each ward, relected to “There are many other peo- After that, I would trek for sev- and running water and eternal parliament ple to thank. Former colleagues eral kilometers to see my sweet- electricity for every household. at KCB who encouraged me, heart in Kitoin, another village. He wants to see several techni- staff at the Rural Electrification She would later be my wife,” he cal training institutes, and that Authority (REA), and he people says with an uncanny smile be- locals can run a fleet of cottage at the ministry of water.” His traying the nostalgia he is reel- industries. Lessonet aspires to easy talk does not reflect a man ing in. have a major library in the con- who is in the intrigues that’s The man who enjoyed herd- stituency “we can only achieve Kenya’s politics. For instance, ing daddy’s cattle sat CPE ex- all this with this geothermal en- there are no mean-looking ams in 1982; he scored 36 out of ergy,” he quips. hangers on buzzing around him a possible 36 points. He joined “We are a blessed constitu- and he doesn’t like lavishing in the Nairobi School. It is here ency. Our soils are fertile and luxurious restaurants. that his love for rugby was stim- we have a lot of water. Mine is Lessonet loves the coun- ulated. He still enjoys the sport. one of the places in Kenya criss- tryside. “I only come to Nai- “I love rugby; I still watch some crossed by rivers and streams. I robi because work dictates so. other sports like football but want to tap this water now for Otherwise, I leave Nairobi first not so much,” he says. irrigation.” thing on Friday and return After University, he worked He relishes a stable family Tuesday morning in time for for the National Cereals and 16 Steam Apr - May 2013 SPECIAL REPORT

Africa charts new GDC stands out as a pace setter on how to approach geothermal in the continent paths

ergy Association, has created the East Africa he Geother- Geothermal Project (EAGP) to boost the mal Develop- development. Meanwhile, the Nordic Fund ment Com- and the World Bank have crafted a strategy pany (GDC) to ensure that each country in the East Af- led the region rican Rift System successfully drills at least in charting a one exploration well. more prag- Geothermal development is a heavy in- matic and vestment area especially on upfront costs. sustainable Most proposed projects have failed to take- approach to- off for lack of predictable and sustainable wards geo- funding. This is sad given the region still thermal development. In the recently-con- grapples with problems of poor electricity cluded conference on geothermal energy, supply. delegates developed a raft of proposals that T Some of the potential sources for fund- aimed at stimulating funding, technologi- ing include utilizing capital markets and cal transfer, and investment in geothermal pension funds, carbon and green funds, energy. risk mitigation funds. During the confer- The three day conference saw the con- ence governments were urged to commit vergence of over 600 participants from 14 significant funds to complete resource as- countries. Participants ranged from inves- sessment in order to attract international tors, policymakers, financiers, development financing. experts, scholars and geothermal experts. The Menengai Geothermal Project It was perhaps the biggest congregation on which GDC is operating is a classic case of geothermal matters in Africa, going by the government commitment. After the Kenya sheer numbers and the profiles of the del- government committed funds, financiers egates. Eric Wamanji revisits the like World Bank and the Agence Française The participants in one accord resolved de Developpment (AFD) came on board to spearhead the growth of geothermal in ARGeo conference and how and promised to fund steam gathering the region. This comes in the wake of more systems, the African Development Bank the Menengai Geothermal international interests towards the geo- (AfDB) extended a USD. 120 million for thermal sector in Africa. For instance, the project enjoyed enviable the first 400 MWe. By this strategy, it has US through USAID and Geothermal En- moments of fame To pg. 16

Steam Apr - May 2013 17 SPECIAL REPORT

Keen: delegates follow presentations during the conference. Far Right, GDC’s Human Resources Officer, Mariam Yunus, presenting her paper.

Frm pg. 15 also been easy for GDC to attract more in- Discussions also centered on generation between geothermal energy and the oil and vestors who will be putting up power plants technology. The early generation approach gas industry which is also emerging in the in the project area. GDC is also a beneficiary received accolades and endorsement. To af- region. Technology used in geothermal and of Green Energy Fund under the Scale-up ford faster streaming of power to the grid, oil and gas is almost the same. Renewable Energy (SREP) project. to reduce the cost of drilling incurred from The ministerial roundtable discussions, usage of diesel, and to enable the big pow- an integral practice during the event, was Good example er plant to start early revenue streams, the attended by Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and “Menengai is a good example of how to modular power plant which can generate up Tanzania. fashion a successful project,” Thierno Bah, a to five megawatts is a card to bet on. The United Nations University (UNU) Senior Power Engineer at AfDB told Steam Strict attention will be paid to power also offered to continue supporting the at the sidelines of the conference. “We are plant technology and evaluations should training and technology transfer. As it were, glad that other countries like Tanzania, be geared toward efficiency in utilizing the geothermal is a highly specialized area. Rwanda and Djibouti are closely following steam provided. African countries, apart from Kenya are what GDC is doing. Such model will trans- highly disadvantaged and would need more form the Eastern Africa region.” Oil, gas & geothermal training and experience. UNU is a leading “The African Development Bank is Ideas also were afloat in creating a synergy training centre in the world on geothermal working to beat risks associated with geo- thermal development, such as exploratory drilling risk,” Arfoui Youssef of AfDB ex- Mr. Paul Gondi, GDC’s Chairman of the Board, joined by Director Kariuki plained. Muchemi, follow proceedings Beyond funding, a key area that the conference deliberated on is the inadequate technological know-how in Africa. Speakers proposed that geothermal to be considered a specialized science and appropriate tech- nology should be deployed. Dr. Silas Simiyu, the GDC Managing Di- rector, also the Chairman Geothermal Asso- ciation of Kenya, chaired several panels. He announced thus: “The region will embrace new technolo- gy. For instance, geothermal hybrid systems are now available. These include geother- mal-solar hybrid systems and geothermal - gas hybrid systems, among others. Further we will implement technology that can uti- lize low temperature fluids.”

18 Steam Apr - May 2013 SPECIAL REPORT- ARGeo issues. Every year, students from differ- announced upon amid applause. ent African countries take short-term Local universities also got the challenge courses while others pursue masters in to design tailor-made programmes that are geothermal sciences and technology. greared towards geothermal development Technology transfer will get a boon in a concerted effort to bridge the current once GDC establishes the Geothermal technological chasm. Training Institute in Nakuru. “With regard to capacity building to produce required human capacity the United Nations University - Geothermal Training Institute is assisting GDC to set The region up a geothermal centre in Nakuru Kenya near the Menengai Geothermal Field. will embrace Several financiers including AfDB, NDF, new technology. JICA and AfD have already expressed -Dr. Simiyu interest in supporting the establishment the geothermal Centre of excellence to serve the region. We encourage other fi- nanciers to come on board,” Dr, Simiyu

Keen: delegates follow presentations during the conference. Far Right, GDC’s Human Resources Officer, Mariam Yunus, presenting her paper.

charged with the responsibility of develop- ing energy resources in the various coun- Empowering Africa tries to prioritize electricity generation from geothermal resource through policy formulation,“ legislation and budgetary al- apacity building is one of the big- tunity to attend a pre-conference training. location. This will spur investor entry into gest efforts that ARGeo seeks to There was also post-conference field trip to the geothermal sector,” remarked Eng. Cachieve in the East African Rift Olkaria, Oserian and Menengai. James Rege, during the official closing cer- region. It is why the conference oraganised In Menengai, delegates were wowed by emony. a series of parallel workshops to build the the sheer scenic design of the caldera and The ARGeo concept aspires to stimu- geothermal capacity among the experts in the development efforts that have gone into late scaling-up of geothermal develop- the region. it. ment in the targeted countries. It also During the conference, about 140 at- contributes to the achievement of the “UN tendees participated in short courses Six countries Sustainable Energy for 4 ALL” initiative sponsored by the Geothermal Association The UNEP-ARGeo Project covers six East launched in 2012. of Kenya, UNEP, USAID and facilitated by African countries which include: Eritrea, The conference was organized by the University of Auckland and Icelandic In- Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Geothermal Association of Kenya (GAK) ternational Development Agency amongst Uganda. The biennial conference rotates GDC, KenGen, United Nations Environ- other leading geothermal experts. The in countries within the Eastern Africa Rift ment Programme (UNEP), Kenya Elec- courses included Geoscience Exploration System. The conference is part of ARGeo’s tricity Transmission Company, Energy Techniques, Drilling Technology and Res- “Regional networking, information sys- Regulatory Commission and the Ministry ervoir Engineering; Geothermal Database tems, capacity building and awareness cre- of Energy. Management for East Africa, Planning, ation” component. Tanzania will host the next ARGeo Managing and Financing of Geothermal “I am now calling on the Ministries conference in 2014. Projects. Diverse papers presented ranged from Delegates tour the Menengai Geothermal Project in Nakuru geo-sciences, engineering to human re- sources and business development. The conference attracted financiers, policy- makers, scholars, students and environ- mentalists. The workshops stimulated more interest in geothermal as the solu- tion to energy needs of Africa. The Menengai Geothermal Project largely remained a reference point as a good case-study to tweak the development of geothermal in the region. A section of delegates got an oppor-

Steam Apr - May 2013 19 Special report

The great Run

Enock Ngome and Eric Wamanji selves from the group to extend ovember 11, 2012 ushered in a new to give budding athletes a chance to show- the lead in beginning in Nakuru County as case their prowess in road running in their well calcu- more than 600 athletes, including home turf. N lated speed elite runners, lined up to pick their running Finally, the time for Nakuru came. And intervals at ev- numbers at the Nyayo Gardens at the heart so they came, they ran and the town cheered. ery turn. Soon a of Nakuru Town. “It was great winning the first edition long stretch was wit- At mid-day, when the race had ended, now my name is written in history as the nessed along the course and winners announced, Nakuru was on the first ever champion of the Menengai Geo- as the route took the athletes edge, witnessing a spectacle in an otherwise thermal Half Marathon. I feel great and next through the estates of Nakuru town what would be another slow Sunday. year I will return here to defend my title God to give the residents who lined up along the The Geothermal Development Com- willing,” said an elated Elizabeth Rumokol course a chance to cheer the athletes. pany (GDC) in its effort to power sports soon after winning the 21km (Women). Kipkim Mitei broke from the leading and health, debuted a half marathon that Indeed, the day must have begun well for pack in the last 50 meters cutting the tape in no doubt seeks to put Nakuru in the global Ramukol who is eying the stars. 27:30:00 minutes to become the first cham- map of athletics. As the sun rays penetrated the canopy of pion of the 10km category. Training mate The event entered into the history books trees in the Nyayo Gardens, elite athletes in from METIPSO camp Peter Kipchirchir of athletics as the first one to be held in the groups who had already pinned their run- chased him home and stopped the clock at town famed for its magnificent Menengai ning numbers on their chests started some 27:34:00 while Kipkelion based Philip Lan- Caldera where GDC is developing geother- short warm-up sessions near the start point gat completed the podium finish clocking mal energy. as they awaited the big flag-off for an event 27:38:00 to claim third spot. Vincent Kibet In his written message, titled Cheers that will be held every second Sunday of came fourth with a time of 27:57:00 for to a great start, Dr. Silas Simiyu, the GDC November in Nakuru town. all the top four athletes finishing in sub 28 Managing Director, noted that through the The numbers kept swelling every minute time. Marathon, “GDC is affirming excellence not as organizers gave everyone a chance to be In the women category Risper Chebet only in geothermal industry but also in so- part of history by extending the registration from Kipkelion braced a fierce challenge cial responsibility… today the seeds of fu- to 8:00 am. ture global talents and champions have been before claiming the victory in 32:00:00, Pu- rity Cherotich and Lucy Liavoga claimed sowed.” First flag the second and third places in that order in For long Nakuru town has been play- The 10km event was first to be flagged off as times of 32:03:00 and 32:11:00 respectively. ing second fiddle to Eldoret, referred to as top athletes took the early lead to dictate the the home of athletics in Kenya. Countless pace of the race, upcoming and fun runners Most awaited marathons have been held there. Paradoxi- followed them in pursuit with the pride of After the 10km was done it was time the cally, even though Nakuru has been home to running next to the famed names that have 21km event arguably the most awaited event some of the world beating athletes like the been globe-trotting. going by the caliber of athletes that had en- late Olympic champion Samuel Wanjiru, As the race progressed the pace gained tered for the race. there had never been an event in the town with the prize chasers separating them- The 21km category lived to its billing 20 Steam Apr - May 2013 Special report - MARATHON as the main race of the day as athletes were flagged off by GDC General Manager Dr. Peter Omenda begun on a blistering speed with early pace-setters breaking away from the pack. As the race headed to the 10km mark it was clear that wheat comprising elite ath- letes was being separated from the chaff first timers and fun runners who dared to take on the world beaters. Soon at the final bend at the Free Area junction it was evident that the leading pack comprising of Hosea Nailei from West Pokot, Richard Sigei from Kip- kelion, Kapsabet based Edwin Kiptanui Mwogi and Felix Kandie of Iten were sure bets for the ultimate prize as they occasionally ex- changed leads. With the temperatures Winner...Hosea Nailel dashes to the finish to clinch the 21km title beginning to rise, the lead- ing pack grabbed their chased home by Kipkoech Langat who fin- water bottles at the last ished second. ropes in an important aspect of our lives – watering point at the In the women’s category Elizabeth Ru- health,” noted Dr. Peter Omenda, the GDC Section 58 junction and mokol outclassed pre-race favourite 2011 General Manager who represented the MD. all signaled the inten- Boston Marathon champion Caroline Kilel Nakuru residents were the biggest win- tion of making the po- to take the honors. Kilel finished second ners of the event as they got a chance to have dium finish and the prize while seasoned runner Isabella Ochichi free medical screening and to witness the bracket. from Kisii came third. world class event as attributed by the Ath- With only 200m to the “Today has marked a great history both letics Kenya Secretary General David Okeyo. finishing tape Hosea Nailel for GDC and Nakuru town by organizing the Indeed the marathon was a success fol- summoned all his reserve steam game that has brought fame to this country lowing diverse sponsorships. (See the list of to power home in 61:02:00 to be- and loved by many close to the people and sponsors). come the first champion of the Menen- near our operational area. This event will be “This event will be a permanent feature our gai Geothermal Half Marathon. He was a permanent feature in our calendar. It also calendar,” the MD promised. Reflections from the terraces team spirit toward one course. he marathon! Yes, that bright Sun- rallying call, it means you are striking the right cord, therefore winning. GDC staff also took to the track. Ask day November morning I devel- Paul Ngugi, the Chief Manager Business oped goose bumps. I remember Yet, here, we were. Hundreds seeking T to be part of GDC. By 5:00 am, I was at Develoment, he loved the game. Then the day as if it were just yesterday. Yes, Nyayo Gardens; the runners were stream- there was Michael Mbevi, Rosemary they touched my heart; the multitudes Olonde and George Kinyanjui who too of people thronging the Nyayo Gardens ing in as well. I was humbled. It was a cheery aura as they warmed up took to the track as were directors Sally in Nakuru, heeding our call to run. And Towett and her counterpart, Eng Stan- run, they did. raring to hit the track. Nakuru town was at a standstill as our green logo and that of ley Kamau who did the 5 KM and 21KM They came, young and old. There was races respectively. There were many other cheer and ebullience bubbling in them. the marathon cartoon stole the show. Then there were the stars of the race: GDC staff who participated in the race. It They donned our T-shirts and looked was the marathon spirit indeed. great in them, and as a photographer Elizabeth Rumokol and Hosea Nailel. I stood there at the finishing line watching When mid-day came, and all had run, I could not resist the temptation to use Athletics Kenya officials were simply as- my phone (now that my Nikon had been the sweaty chaps, feeling their indomitable spirit, full of energy, dashing to complete tounded. The secretary General, David snatched from me by my colleague) to Okeyo, could only equate the meticulous click on and on! The runners smiled at the epic race. In a hypnotic elegance, they had won it! Then, the crowd went carni- planning and organization to what he me. I smiled back. sees in Europe: “This is wonderful. I’ve From a strategic branding perspec- vore into fits of cheers! But I also had other heroes and “she- never seen such a well-organized event in tive, the marathon was a scoop. We went Kenya; never…” he exclaimed. I winked beyond mere awareness to win the hearts roes”: the GDC staff who came on board. So supportive and dedicated they were where I was standing. We had made it and minds of participants and Nakuru big! Town residents. It is not easy to have so that the event was a showstopper. Some- many people believing in you and getting one was registering participants here, an- -Eric Wamanji passionate about the things you do. When other was giving water there, still some- Reproduced from Geonews, a GDC a people get connected to your brand or one was explaining to guests what GDC is in-house bulletin all about. It was an interesting mosaic of Steam Apr - May 2013 21 Special report

Issue No. 6

To our esteemed sponsors, Thank you for making the inagural Menengai Geothermal Half Marathon a success.

HI-TECH OPTICIANS

You too can partner with us for the 2013 Menengai Geothermal Half- Marathon to be held on 13th October, 2013. For more details, contact22 Pauline Steam Sheghu Apr -at May [email protected] 2013 or 0715 199 281 or Caroline Achieng’ at [email protected] or 0726 354 997 The promising Caldera: Here’s part of the Suswa Caldera where GDC’s scientists foraged for three

- SUSWA months in search of steam. Notice the the outer and The new trove the inner calderas with an Island block (moat) THE SITE

Suswa is the new frontier. It has big promises write John Lagat and Sylvia Malimo

uswa, may sound like ‘sissy.’ But, GDC, as part of its mandate to develop could be the heat sources. Heat source is this enchanting product of volca- at least 5,000 MWe from geothermal sources crucial for geothmermal systems for it con- nic eruption at the base of the Great by 2030, carried out a feasibility study in the verts the water to steam. Ground tempera- Rift Valley has all the hallmarks of a prospect from November 2012 to February ture surveys were also carried out over the Smega geothermal project with conservative 2013. area to determine areas of high heat loss. estimate of 1,000 MWe. This is no ordinary The prospect, which is located two Results from the study indicate that a prospect. If fully developed, Suswa can meet hours drive from Nairobi, is manifested by geothermal system exists in Suswa geother- all the electricity needs that Kenya has to- geothermal indications namely; fumaroles, mal prospect. The presence of caldera(s) at day! altered grounds and young eruptions dated Suswa depicts a partially emptied magma This explains the excitement of the GDC about 200-400 years Before Present. chamber beneath the volcano, which would team of scientists when discovery after dis- The methods conducted during the provide for the heat source for the geother- covery unfolded before their very eyes with study include: geological mapping to under- mal system. scientific instruments – all showing great stand the features essential for development Soil gas survey gave high radon radia- promises. of geothermal system(s). Gas and steam tion counts coinc iding with high CO2 val- Suswa prospect is the southernmost condensate samples were obtained from fu- ues inferring good permeability in the pros- of the Quaternary volcanoes in the axis of maroles to determine the nature of the geo- pect area. the Kenyan rift. In fact, the Suswa volcano thermal reservoir while ground radon and The potential area determined using is unique. It has two calderas: the outer CO surveys were undertaken to indicate the 2 2 resistivity anomaly is about 70 km which and the inner calderas with an Island block presence of a geothermal reservoir and areas can yield over 1,000 MWe based on Kenya’s (moat) at the center surrounded by an an- of high permeability. average of 15 MW per km2. Four explor- nular trench. The two calderas indicate two TEM and MT resistivity were under- atory wells have been proposed in the Suswa earth collapses- a truly promising phenom- taken to assist image the subsurface for the caldera. An Environmental and Social Im- ena for geothermal development. If for any- existence of electrically conductive zones .. pact Assessment (ESIA) survey indicates thing, apart from the promise of abundant Such zones could be geothermal reservoirs that minimal impacts that can be success- electricity, the very structural design of Sus- and the occurrence of dense bodies that fully mitigated are expected from the devel- wa is breathtaking. opment of the geothermal resource in the Collapses show that there was prospect area. an eruption which created an empty The completion of the exploration in magma chamber. Now this shows Suswa and the promising potential puts that there is a heat source. For us in GDC safely on the path towards 5,000 MW geothermal, a heat source in a pros- by 2030. Indeed, at press time, GDC is en- pect is the mother of everything. gaged in talks with the Indian Exim Bank Because it is this heat that creates The completion of the ex- and Kfw seeking financial support to de- the steam after interaction with wa- velop Suswa. ter. And for sure, our investigations ploration in Suswa and the promis- indicate that Suswa recorded up to ing potential puts GDC safely on the 0 300 C path towards 5000 MW by 2030. “ Steam Apr - May 2013 23 Environment - Carbon sales

GDC begins journey to sell carbon

The international carbon market is becoming vibrant by the day. Those in the green energy are set to reap from this global trend. And as GDC provides an opportunity for a greener energy, Tecla Mutia and Godffrey Olali reports that the company too in a journey of making money from carbon sales

GDC has set the ball rolling towards at- electricity Generating Company Com- tracting carbon money, under the Clean pany (KenGen) among others. Green energy. A discharging well in Menen- Development Mechanism (CDM) initia- “Finance ministry has given CDM gai. GDC is set to sell carbon credits tive, from the geothermal projects pro- priority; the government will channel posed and ongoing. CDM funds to GDC which will assist lo- In Bogoria-Silali, GDC has received a Two projects are spruced up for regis- cal communities and boost other proj- total of $400 million (about 34 billion) tration: the Menengai Geothermal Proj- ects,” said a representative from Finance from the US Exim Bank and the German ect and the Bogoria Silali Geothermal Mr. Erastus Wahome during one of the Development Bank (KfW), which will Project. deliberations in Baringo recently. assist in opening up the Bogoria-Silali Already a consultant is on the ground He added that the government has fields. to facilitate the registration. GDC also emphasized the development of geother- Under CDM, investors in projects held two critical stakeholders’ consulta- mal resources and other forms of clean with high carbon emissions commit to tive forums recently in Nakuru and Bar- energy. ingo to seek the opinion of stakeholders. Aware of the benefits that the registration Members of the public and interested groups listen to a presentation will bring to them, stakeholders happily on CDM in Baringo. endorsed the CDM project. For starters, the CDM arrangement is a product of the Kyoto Protocol of the 1997. In this protocol, heavy-polluting de- veloped countries will buy carbon credits from green projects mainly in develop- ing countries. This encourages countries to keep up with the green agenda. Green agenda includes generating clean energy from say geothermal, or conserving ma- jor forests like the Mau, Congo or Ama- zon. It could also entail planting more forests as carbon sinks. Key stakeholders in North Rift and Central Rift recently gave GDC the green light to register the expansive Bogoria- Silali geothermal Block, and the Menen- gai Geothermal Project under CDM pro- grame. The meetings brought representatives from Regional Development, Forest Ac- tion Network, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Forestry Service (KFS) and the Kenya

24 Steam Apr - May 2013 Environment - Carbon sales offer monetary compensation to inves- nyan people new experience and skill in a About the tors in low carbon emission projects. sector that is growing internationally. In The development of the geothermal addition to this, through the project and Kyoto power projects will reduce reliance on its indirect activities including the CDM imported fossil fuel (mainly diesel) there- process, capacity building and the trans- by reducing the carbon footprint. fer of expertise and knowledge to the lo- Protocol CDM will inject a few more coins to cal population remains a distinct feature the economy. It will also act as an en- of the project. dorsement on Kenya’s development path- “With additional funding generated The Kyoto Protocol is an internation- ways. from CDM, GDC will fully meet its proj- ect financial costs and this will imply al pact linked to the United Nations At the forecasted sale of a CER at USD Framework Convention on Climate more labour requirements hence creation 10 (Kshs. 860) per ton of displaced CO2 Change which commits its parties to of local employment opportunities,” says in 2013, the projects upon implementa- emission reduction targets. The proto- Gabriel Wetangula, the Deputy Manager tion and one year of monitoring and col was adopted in Kyoto, Japan on 11th verification each could earn Kenya a lot in charge of Environment. December 1997 and came into force on of money. The registration which is still under 16th February 2007. The implementa- “Even if you will not be employed at proposal stage, has already been received tion rules and guidelines were adopted the power plants, you will have an oppor- and approved by the national environ- in Marrakesh, Morocco in 2001 and are tunity to work in other industries such mental watchdog - National Environ- referred to as the “Marrakesh Accords”. as agricultural sector; more benefits and ment Management Authority (NEMA). The first commitment period started in opportunities will come to the people “Implementation of the project will 2008 and ended in 2012. through CDM,” said Patrick Karani, a create employment opportunities around consultant from Sinclair Knight Merz Menengai. Skilled, semi-skilled and non- The Protocol recognizes that developed (SKM) while addressing stakeholders at a skilled youth, will be engaged in ventures countries are majorly responsible for Baringo hotel. such as tree planting through Commu- the current high levels of greenhouse According to Karani, CDM will ac- nity Based Organisations. They will also gas (GHG) emission to the atmosphere celerate funding of investments in clean be required to manage and maintain,” he owing to their industrial activities and energy technologies and sustainable de- adds. therefore places a heavier burden of velopment. Realizing that climate change is al- responsibility under the principle of Socially, the project will create lo- ready a tangible and costly reality glob- “common but differentiated responsi- cal employment opportunities for both ally, the desire to pursue green energies bilities”. construction and operation offering Ke- like geothermal have been accelerated globally. Under the Protocol, countries not only take their own initiatives to reduce emissions but are also offered three market-based mechanisms: Interna- tional Emissions Trading, Clean De- velopment Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) that help stimulate green investments while at the same time reducing emission in a cost-effective way.

The Protocol instructs that countries’ emissions are monitored and records Under kept. The Protocol also established an CDM, investors in proj- Adaptation Fund for developing coun- ects with high carbon emis- tries which are Parties to the Protocol so that they can cope with adverse ef- sion commit to offer monetary fects of climate change. compensation to investors in In Kenya, the Olkaria II Geother- low carbon emission projects. mal Power Project operated by KenGen and Olkaria OrPower 4 are registered “ as CDM projects.

Steam Apr - May 2013 25 Investor Talk: Training Centres Mine money in training hen Dedan Kimathi Africa’s geothermal sector. The University of Sci- December issue of Geothermal Wence and Technol- Africa reported that the World ogy announced plans to start Bank and the Nordic Fund are studies in Geothermal Science, planning to inject up to US$ it was easier to see the strategic 500 million in Africa. The US is vision of the varsity. The cam- also interested in the region. It pus was quickly respecting na- set up the East Africa Geother- ture by filling a void. mal Partnership (EAGP). This Skills in geothermal tech- is a clear indicator that in the nology are scarce and sparse, coming years, we are going to not only in Kenya but in Af- experience a flurry of activities rica. Yet, the country is going in the region. full steam in its quest to pro- The sector’s technology is vide reliable, affordable and unique, specialized and even clean energy from geothermal costly to acquire. For a com- sources. The aspirations to plete geothermal system to be develop at least 5,000 MW by operational, diverse skills are At work...GDC drillers during a daily operation. The industry needs 2030 definitely demands mas- required including geothermal more experts calling for investment in training sive expertise in this sector. drilling technology, geother- Interestingly, in Kenya, there mal reservoir modeling and is not sufficient to develop a can also be an option. is no university that is offering management, cementing tech- workforce desired by the sec- For practicum, it calls for this specialized training. nology, earth science, environ- tor. It explains why there is a concrete collaboration with But it is not just Kenya that mental science among tens of big gap and why investors may the industry actors so that stu- is in need of more and more others. want to up their game. dents can gain experience from experts. The Eastern Africa But who is investing in geo- Well, GDC is also planning the experts. In Kenya GDC, Region is going geothermal thermal training? to invest in a geothermal train- KenGen and OrPower-4 are after Kenya registered some frica doesn’t have a ing centre in Nakuru to take the entities engaged in actual tremendous successes in its geothermal school. care of the region’s training geothermal operations. model. Now, Rwanda is just Those interested in the needs. This will ease the pres- And since the technology A sure on the workforce that the about to start drilling. Tanza- discipline have been forced in oil, gas and geothermal are nia, on other hand is on the to travel abroad to Iceland, industry is facing today. cousins, and the region is also verge of a geothermal takeoff. New Zealand, USA or Italy. Honestly, investment in witnessing fossil fuel discov- In fact, the African Develop- The United Nations Univer- training is not for the light eries, there is more reason to ment Bank (AfDB) is very keen sity’s Geothermal Training weight. It needs massive capital invest in training in the region. in financing geothermal devel- Programme based in Iceland, inlay especially in laboratory Technical universities have an opment in Tanzania. The bank together with Kenya’s geo- equipment and drilling simu- advantage when it comes to is already angling in Djibouti thermal leading lights, crafted lations. Field work too costs a engineering. But, science is while Zambia has developed a three-week annual workshop fortune. The good news is that also a core component of geo- a master plan to develop the that takes place in Kenya every Kenya has already established a thermal technology. Colleges resource. Ethiopia is picking November. The UNU-GTP- geothermal tradition complete with a history of earth sciences up from where it left, and with GDC-KenGen Programme with a thriving industry that can stretch it a bit to incorpo- some investment money pour- attract about 60 fellows from institutions can capitalize on. rate geothermal energy. ing in, its going geothermal full Africa. And for those who do not want For sure the region needs steam. But this three-week theo- to set up permanent shop, col- experts, and this is an area to There is more interest in retical and practicum effort laboration with industry and bet your money. It’s the future. offering off-campus training - Eric Wamanji 26 Steam Apr - May 2013 Step! The modern-day office life cent ‘likes’ of com- Culture| Workplace| People| ments that are deroga- tive to the next party, to a whole passage of How ‘bout chopping the finger? how you hate certain people. Some of us even foolishly describe very day, in my working career, I airline took action on the premise that how we hate our boss- The Coffee want to confess, I dive into the ex- Musings their behaviour was totally inappropriate es, jobs, our lecturers citing but also messy world of social E and that it brought the company to disre- or our spouses, friends media mainly Facebook and Tweeter. But pute. or parents. I’ve never known any kind of wait a minute, I’m here not for the psych- And I bet you didn’t know this either: irrationality that beats this. massage, so sought by most users. Nay. I’m that a 33-year old science teacher, in the But as an employee, a potential job paid to detect what is trending in the cyber- UK, who posted semi-naked pictures of seeker or a consultant, or even business space that is likely to dent my employer’s herself on Facebook, was suspended. person, your statements can easily be brand and reputation. My work is to detect Still here at home, in March, the NCIC tracked down. For instance, increasingly and correct all the possible misinformation revealed that four individuals were being HR practitioners, are undertaking a quick and wrong impressions. sought for prosecution for fanning hate Google search about current and potential Yet, for society, as late as a decade ago, speech in the social media. employees and woe unto you if what pops such virtual vigilance was inconceivable. “We hope that the prosecution of up contravenes social conventions. Often Outlets of mass information were limited, those individuals will send a strong mes- focused employers will never touch some- moderated and even regulated. Societal sage against hate-mongers on social media. one whose fingers have caused embarrass- transmission of information to the public Since there are millions of users , dealing ment or pain online. was fairly cautious and capsuled in eti- with a few criminals will go a long way in I always argue, if you have a bone to quette and restraint. Not so any more after bringing down the hate and criminal be- pick with someone, whom you cannot Sir. Tim-Berners Lee invented the World haviour online,” NCIC Chairman, Mza- confront, for you to relieve your rage and Wide Web. lendo Kibunjia explained. frustration, write a long letter, calling that It appears that the dawn of the Infor- This just shows that your secret and ir- chap all sorts of names, then tear it. Better mation Age unveiled the savage in us. It’s responsible actions online have ramifica- still, if you feel energetic enough, go con- commonplace to encounter ethnic bigotry, tion that may leave you regretting the rest front a tree in your compound and punch cultural imperialism, raw hatred, bare- of your life. it till you have no more energy. If you pour knuckled fist-cuffs and crude incitement With massive usage, Facebook and your frustration on the cyber world think- spewing and flowing in the social media Twitter being the leading, it means that ing you will go scot-free, you are wrong. like putrid puss. Users have ignorantly and with a click of a button, you can create or Someone will catch up with you, and you arrogantly let down their guard to engage break your fortunes. A statement, whether will end up gnashing your teeth. However, in primitive cyber fights that are as de- false or true, spirals like a virus gone un- if your finger is causing you to sin online, structive as they are immoral and criminal. tamed. how about chopping it off? Social media usage The cyberspace opened The writer is the Deputy Manager, has become, if you like, a new world of free trans- Corporate Communication & Marketing at like a baboon with a mission of content. The GDC. loaded gun, or better still, problem with the cyber, as a monkey driving a truck opposed to the traditional down a busy street! mass media, is that it lacks Yet, these actions exe- Some of us moderation. There are no cuted at the safety of your even foolishly de- clear penalities for abuse desk or bed, are likely to either. The freedom and land you in hot soup. scribe how we hate near-free platform Are you aware that our bosses our lectur- that the cyberspace 13 Virgin Atlantic crew offers, is now pos- members who once ers or our husbands, ing a big headache branded passengers as friends and parents. to society it seems. ‘chavs’ and mocked the I have never known C o m m o n airline’s safety on their dirty tricks in- Facebook pages, were any kind of irratio- clude simple and heavily punished? The nality that beats this. seemingly inno- “ Steam Apr - May 2013 27 Step!

route to mental stagna- tion. You won’t be any Ignite that different from a tree or a mountain, little else happens to them than creativity spark! what the weather and human activities choose to hand them. Be alive and intrepid. Experi- ment and discover. Don’t just wait for your boss to give you an assignment, then you do it and hand it back. Take some time to think ahead, pre-empt the next task and do it, only then will you have the freedom to do it your way because it is your assignment anyway. Even changing the way you do simple things like dressing up in the morning or making a cup of coffee has been known to impact positively on the brain’s ability to innovate for that day.

Have a relaxed mind. A stressed-up 2mind cannot be expected to do much; it is already battling stress so it does not have room for much else. Find activities to un- wind after work like taking a walk, sports, Sudoku and even talking with friends. It will free the mind to wander and you never know, it may pass through a gold seam.

Play along with the team. When you sit 3down to find a solution as a team, you attack a problem from different perspec- tives. Another person’s idea unlocks your own ideas. You will be surprised at how bet- ter and fresh your contributions are when you are working as a team. So team work is not another cliché, it works. By Kiprotich Bii your blunted potentials. Passion. Love what you do and believe t is widely documented how Steve Job’s We cannot all go to India or afford the 4in your organization’s goals and you will sojourn across India in search of en- time and money to travel to any of the be surprised at how better you handle your Ilightenment as a college drop-out teen Shangri-las scattered all over the world. So assignments. If you are excited with a par- was the turning point in his career. He how do we in our everyday office life find ticular task, so is your brain. braved lice, diarrhea, scabies, mendicants, a our eureka moments? close shave with death in a flash flood and Google has the ‘20-percent program’. Its Utilize your leave days. Taking time off rough living to return to the US not only a engineers do whatever they want with 20% 5is important as your brain will get ample Buddhist but also a founder of the most sto- of their time in the office: sleep, play games, time to re-charge. It is the only organ we use ried tech-firm in history: Apple. Unknown experiment on a new program et ce tera as to think so before you burn out or suffer a to many outside literati, Salman Rushdie got long as it is legal and ethical. Google prod- nervous breakdown, take that break. the inspiration for his 1981 Booker Prize ucts such as Adsense and Google Suggest You may never know what your brain winning novel Midnight’s Children after a are offspring of this program. But again we is capable of by doing the same things the jaunt through India too. don’t work for Google. I have scoured vari- same way. Jump off the humdrum train and Sometimes you may feel you have ous management write-ups and self-help get lost in the wilderness of your brain. You reached the limits of your abilities. Any at- blogs in search of proven methods in which will be shocked by the treasure trove there- tempt to improve your performance is like we can get inspiration to innovate in the in. Dee Hock, founder and former CEO of running in a nightmare, you just can’t lift workplace: Visa, once said, “The problem is never how your legs. Yet naturally we want to achieve to get new, innovative thoughts into your more, fulfill our dreams and keep up with Experiment. Don’t be a slave of routine. mind, but how to get old ones out.” Enough the Joneses. The truth is, you are bogged 1Changing the way you approach tasks said! down by tedium not inability. You need a leads to new discoveries. Doing the same The writer is a Communications & creativity spark to innovate and unleash things the same way every day is the surest Marketing Officer at GDC 28 Steam Apr - May 2013 Step! MD’s dispatches birth big book

By Kiprotich Bii and Godfrrey Olali

n 2009 when GDC was in its formative achieved more than motivation. By repeat- stages, the need to inform employees on edly talking about the boundless possibili- Ithe goings-on in the organization gave ties of success and opportunities for growth birth to Geonews - an in-house bulletin. Lit- in the company, the column has inspired the tle could anybody imagine then that it will employees to dream along with him. be a popular in-house publication, leave Renowned communication scholar Pro- In Dr. Simiyu’s treatises, alone give birth to a book. fessor Levi Obonyo in his foreword to the employees are the brand, ‘State of the Company’, a column au- book, wrote, “The author, Dr. Silas Simiyu, thored by the CEO that communicates pol- clearly demonstrates that leaders can em- identity and ambassadors icy decisions, imparts knowledge, inspires, ploy communication to great effect as a tool of the organization. They advises and motivates employees went on to for rallying staff towards a cause thus act- be so popular that the editorial committee ing as a tool for corporate success.” This, he are the key premise upon decided to immortalize the wisdom in form added, is a critical departure from the Ke- which a GDC brand is an- of a book. That is how ‘Reflections: a CEOs nyan organisational culture. chored and form the core of Treatise’ came into being. “In Dr. Simiyu’s treatises, employees The place of a CEO in any organization are the brand, identity and ambassadors of the character and personal- cannot be gainsaid. He is charged with cre- the organization. They are the key premise ity of the organization. ating, communicating, and implementing upon which a GDC brand is anchored and “ the organization’s vision, mission and over- form the core of the character and personal- -Professor Levi Obonyo. all direction. He is also tasked with leading ity of the organization.” Professor Obonyo the execution of the organization’s strategy. further opined. In GDC, the CEO, Dr Silas Simiyu, saw in- As the leading brand ambassador for house publications as a tool for effective the company, Dr Simiyu set out communication and engagement between first to convert all GDC employees Management and the Staff. By so doing, into his brand gospel. He com- he has not only managed to pull the entire municated the character company in the 5 000 MWe direction but and image the or- also fulfilled more than the traditional roles ganization should of his office. project within and Through the fortnightly produced ‘State without the organi- of the Company’ column, he spells out his zation. All these he guiding principles and the philosophies that achieved through his inform his personal life and management column which now will style. He talks policy, yes, but he does not be available in one go as stop there. He preaches integrity, advices on a book. work-life balance, investments, work ethic, And so, the seed that hard-work, innovation, career and many was planted in Geonews as more. musings on management, He draws his teachings from everyday leadership and life in gen- working life, as a man who rose through eral has grown into a big tree the ranks himself, he offers practicable ad- called ‘Reflections: a CEOs vice that employees can easily identify with Treatise’. Not only will GDC irrespective of their cadre. With time, they staff ceaselessly drink from have come to internalise his teachings. In a the wisdom of its fruits, but way, his thinking on issues has come to be across nations and genera- reflected on how employees approach issues tions, many will be able to themselves. His influence is palpable in the benefit from the same. thinking and culture of the organization. Without setting out to motivate, he has

Steam Apr - May 2013 29 Stories of our people and activities... HR staff, Rebecca Tal- Wow! I like... our photographer caught these young chaps in Na- lam did not miss an opportunity to market our publications in kuru admiring the Marathon write-up just before the big run Kuala Lumpur.

Hmmm lovely...Felister Ngina, a GDC We’ve arrived... when GDC called people to run, Stastician, must have discovered a gem they came, including this two men who seem to say in the last issue of Steam. “we’ve arrived.”

Hahahah. you got it...Mr. Michael Run, baby run... this lady seem to be encouraging the young Mbevi, the Manager, Drilling Op- one to keep running to the finish during the GDC Half Mara- erations congratulates Ernest Malel, thon held in Nakuru. during a function

30 Steam AprNov -2012 May -2013 Feb 2013 In Pictures

Gota... Dr. Silas Simiyu, the MD, just knows the language of the street too well. Here, charater- istically he greets a staff in one of the corporate events.

In the thick of the night...geothermal calls for a 24-hour opration. And here, in the thick of the night, these Reservoir Management techni- cians are at it as usual.

My appreciation...When GDC’s Rosemary Olonde (left) completed her term as the Lady Captain of Yeeeeeey....well, they say all work no play makes Jane a dull girl, the Vet Golf Club, as is the tradion, members came and the Drilling Operations Team knows this too well. The crew out to shower her with gifts. took time off for a little play which definitaley produced the radi- ant faces.

Send us your pcitures and we will always publish the best. Send to The Editor, Steam. Email: [email protected] Remember to write a brief caption. Describe the picture, who took it, where it was taken, when it was taken... and give names of people in th picture.

Steam AprNov -2012-Feb May 2013 2013 31 COMMUNITY

This is how to deal with the sugar... Dorcas Mwangi (centre) of Norvo- nodisk explaining to the community about diabetes and how to prevent it. GDC’s support to community health

rue to the philosophy of powering “To us at GDC, the mara- the vision, GDC ran a free medi- thon is a way of promoting Tcal camp for community in Na- healthy lifestyles,” the MD, kuru. There was an assortment of medi- Dr. Silas Simiyu said in his cal screening and education, ranging from statement. diabetes, HIV/AIDS and an eye clinic too. Organizations that came out to sup- While others hit the track, some sought port the medical camp include: Egerton the free medical attention offered by seven University, Avenue Health Care, Merid- medical providers. ian, Norvonodisk, Hi-Tech Optical, Evans Just the right height... Diverse medical cases were investi- Sunrise Hospital and Baus Optical. Purity Gituma has gated and advice offered accordingly. The The medical camp will now be a per- her weight and height medical camp was an instant hit especially manent feature of the marathon. checked during the for those who did not want to run. medical camp. Below: “I’m happy they have checked my medics help to check blood pressure blood pressure. I was worried that my heart was beating very fast at times and thought I was sick. The doctors have told me that all is well,” Grace Waithera, a vil- lager from Wanyororo enthused. There was also general public educa- tion on communicable diseases. Some of the medical providers offered HIV/AIDS counseling and testing. Some opticians provided a variety of sun glasses that proved to be popular with ladies. Still, Opticians screened and ad- vised residents accordingly. 32 Steam Apr - May 2013 DISPATCH - Labs keypad to key in information and screens to A day in show the progress of the data analysis. It has television aerial-like knobs with one used to input the gas for analysis using a syringe, the labs while the other knob lets out the excess sample through a small pipe into a beaker containing de-ionized water since the G.C only requires one millimetre of the sample for analysis. Each sample’s analysis takes roughly 17- 20 minutes. And for the first time, the tech- nicians can sit. Other operations demand standing. It’s why ladies are on flat shoes. General talk on previous assignments takes centre-stage as they wait for this re- sults. The G.C adds its take to the conversa- tion: it hums through the process. The data comes in form of a chromatogram that is a plot of voltage against the relative retention Dispatch from the labs times as the various components go through through the packed column. Deborah Kalei and Evans Mutai “Hydrogen elutes first and methane last spent time with GDC’s geochemists because of their molecular sizes and not weight,” explains Jared Nyamongo, the se- ur arrival at the GDC-owned sci- main to analyse data collected earlier. After nior technician in charge of the lab. ence laboratories was a cool relief an hour or so, Anastasia Onduru, the Office Back in the main lab, data analysis con- Ofrom the sun that scorched unapol- Assistant, announces that mid-morning tea tinues with the lab surfaces decorated with ogetically. In the lab, white coats, lab equip- is ready. The scientists take a break. There is numerous gas flasks containing various ment and the periodic table thrust us back chit-chat here and laughter there. samples ready to undergo the analysis pro- to high school days. Teatime is over. The team goes to the cess. It’s abuzz here. Technicians are mixing balance room to measure the weight of “‘We are in business!” enthuses Nyamon- chemicals, others are carrying out titration, the samples. This is done by deducting the go, when he sees the samples on the surfaces. still others are heading to Menengai to col- weight of the evacuated flask from its weight The air this time is filled with numbers “No. lect samples. when it contains the sample. This process 90, No. 53, No. 62” as the technicians sort Chemical analysis is critical to geother- has to take place in a closed room to prevent out the gas flasks for analysis. mal development. By understanding the exterior vibrations from tampering with the The Menengai crew is back. It gets to chemical design of wells and a geothermal scale readings. work sorting out the samples for analysis. prospect, management can make informed The balance room has two parts: for The flasks are wrapped with soft paper to investment decisions. storage of chemicals and a smaller part for prevent breakage. The samples are precious Here, the team also conducts geo-haz- measuring the samples. It also hosts the to lose. Work on the new samples starts im- ard monitoring of boreholes for water, and fume hood chamber that expels obnoxious mediately with ‘I’ll do this’ and I’ll do that’ fumaroles from prospects. The team also gas. It is in here that the compounds are shuttling their way around the lab. monitors reservoir concentration mixed and weighed amid small talk and tin- Then, the lab empties. It’s time for Today, some technicians are evacuating kling of gas sampling flasks. sun-downer tea. Afterwards, the process of gas sampling flasks for sample collection. The next stage is at the instrument room analysis begins kick-starting the cycle all The flask is a glass container that leads to where sample analysis is done. This is the over. two openings each with a brown cork. It is furthest end of the left side of the laborato- made of hard glass designed to withstand ries, next to the gas cylinder room. It has an the geothermal well conditions of high tem- extraction system which is a grey vent that peratures and pressures. Some are washing runs on one side of the room and rests atop flasks with de-ionized water which removes an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, By all anions and cations to avoid contaminat- AAS, that is used for analysis of metals. The ing samples. extraction system acts as an air conditioner understanding the Still, other technicians are evacuating to prevent overheating the machine. gas sampling flasks charged with sodium We are fortunate to be at the lab as the chemical design of the hydroxide using a rotary vacuum pump to technicians test-drive a newly commis- guarantee the purity of the sample. Before sioned gas chromatograph or G.C as is wells and prospect, it the team leaves for the field, the weight of popularly called. It is used for the analysis affords management to the evacuated flask plus sodium hydroxide of gases that are not trapped in the sodium is measured using an analytical balance to hydroxide solution. The G.C is connected make investment deci- determine the gas concentrations. to a computer that acts as the instrument’s The Menengai team leaves. Others re- read-out. The G.C is like a printer with a sions. Steam Apr“ - May 2013 33 THE REVIEW: BOOKS The Jack’s way

e was born with a stutter in his speech death of his dear mother and father be- to a train conductor father and a home- tween one and a half years of each other Hmaker mother. By his own admission, and his near-death encounter with he was not too brilliant in school; but that did stroke at night. Perhaps following the not stop him from becoming CEO and Chair- mantra ‘all work and no play make man of General Electric for 20 years. Does it Jack a dull read’ the book contains a sound like Cinderella? Well, this is corporate healthy dose of his love for golf and America Cinderella story of Jack Welch as told in a tipple with friends as he cheered his autobiography: “Jack: Straight from the Gut;” the Red Sox team. co-authored with John A. Bryne and published Jack tells of Jack Welch’s by Headline Book Publishing in 2001. ‘boundaryless’ philosophy Jack is an extra-ordinary tale of a man who that saw him dismantle learned to be competitive at a young age playing bureaucracy at GE, his games with his mother and golf in the neighbor- love for informality in the hood. Not gifted with genius, he applied himself workplace, the Six Sigma hard to his studies and got a PhD in his 20s. He quality, differentiation, tells of his frustrations with the bureacracy at GE ‘deep dives’ and many other when he joined as a junior chemical engineer. personal philosophies he applied to grow Told in the first person, it gives a blow by blow GE from 10 businesses with $11B worth of assets account of the ups and downs, the mistakes, in North America in 1980 to 24 businesses worth the intrigues and the gritty determination that $370B in assets spread across 48 countries in the earned him the youngest Chairman and CEO of year 2000. The boardroom wars, deal-makings, General Electric in 1981 aged 46 years. and fighting anti-trust litigations told in quintes- This book, however, should not be mistaken sential Jack Welch vivid description complete with for a PR gambit to atone for the mistakes Jack charts, sketches and handwritten notes make for an Title: Jack- Straight from the Welch made in his tenure at the top of GE. No. engrossing read. Gut He is candid where candor is required and hard If you are starting out in a career or business or Author: Jack Welch on himself where blunt self-appraisal is most in top management of an organization, this is a Reviewer: Kiprotich Samoei suitable. book that will not only tell you how one of 20th Available at leading book- He mixes the personal with the professional. Century corporate America titan made it himself stores and supermarkets His life with his first wife Carolyn, subsequent to the top and stayed at the top for 20 years but divorce, his marriage to his second wife Jane and also give you practical insights on management the fun she brought to his life. He also relates the and leadership. Jack is a great read.

pines and Iceland contribute around 30% of their electricity production while in the fornia The oldest known spa fed by a hot USA it is less than 1%? spring is believed to be a stone pool found in Lisan Mountain in China Drilled in Southern California’s Salton built in 3rd Century BC? Sea Geothermal field, well “Von- derahe”1 is one of the largest and In some parts of Iceland, hot water hottest geothermal wells in the runs from geothermal plants under world. It can produce nearly pavements and roads to help melt ice 2.2 million pounds of hot during winter? water in an hour, enough to power a 30-megawatt power Geothermal energy has been in use for plant. thousands of years in form of hot wa- Did you know that? ter from hot springs and geysers? Geothermal drinking water is bottled and sold by a Geothermal power plants in Philip- company in Calistoga, Cali- 34 Steam Apr - May 2013 The PROMISE of GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

• Affordable • Reliable • Clean & Safe

Geothermal energy being developed by GDC will supply millions of Kenyans with safe, clean, affordable and reliable water. A product of heated subterranean water, geothermal is by far one of the safest energy sources on the planet. Kenya is lucky to have over 10,000MWe of geothermal resources.

Steam Apr - May 2013 35 future hter rig b a o t With icons like these dotting our g Menengai, the dream of a brighter, n i energetic future is unfolding in our very k own eyes, during our lifetime. o GDC o

L we make it happen. 36 Steam AprGDC - May 2013 IS NOW ISO 9001: 2008 CERTIFIED