It is essential for policymakers to carefully assess the broader economic consequences of the 21% VAT imposition on end user electricity tariffs and consider a more balanced approach that protect the sustainability of the power sector, support economic recovery, stability and industrialization.
In line with the efforts being made towards economic recovery, imposing a 21% VAT on electricity consumption in Ghana can be counter productive and have countless adverse effects on the overall economy and the electricity sector of Ghana:
Reduced Demand and Increase in compensation for Idle Capacity Charge: To cope with higher costs, households might reduce their energy usage, which could lead to under-utilization of essential appliances, affecting their quality of life and productivity. Higher prices can lead to a decrease in electricity consumption as consumers and businesses seek to minimize costs. This reduced demand can affect the overall revenue generation of the sector. Consumers and businesses might shift to alternative energy sources like solar to reduce dependence on the grid, which could lead to under-utilization of existing infrastructure and challenges in grid management. The principal effect in this circumstance is the upsurge in the compensation for Idle Capacity to the Independent Power Producers.
Impact on Economic Growth: High electricity costs can be a deterrent to economic growth. Industries and businesses facing high operational costs due to expensive electricity may reduce production, delay expansion, or relocate to areas with cheaper energy costs. Reduced spending power due to higher utility bills can contribute to a slowdown in economic activity, as consumer spending is a key driver of economic growth.
Energy Poverty: The increased cost might push more households into energy poverty, where a significant portion of their income is spent on energy bills, leading to tough choices between electricity and other necessities. Elevated tariffs can exacerbate energy poverty, where a significant portion of the population cannot afford adequate energy services. This leads to broader social issues and can widen economic disparities.
Investment Disincentives: High tariffs can deter investment in the sector. Potential investors might be cautious about entering a market where high costs could lead to reduced demand or regulatory interventions.
Financial Stress on Utilities: Utilities may face financial stress if high tariffs lead to bill defaults, late payments, or increased instances of electricity theft. If the electricity sector is not able to balance the revenue from high tariffs with investment in infrastructure, it could lead to quality of service issues, such as frequent outages and poor maintenance. Grid Instability: If a significant number of consumers move to off-grid solutions, it could lead to instability in the electricity grid due to fluctuating demand and supply patterns.
Regulatory and Political Challenges: High tariffs can lead to regulatory and political challenges, including public discontent, protests, and pressure on governments to intervene, which can lead to regulatory uncertainty.
Quality of Service Issues:Barriers to Electrification Efforts: In regions where electrification is still underway, high tariffs can be a significant barrier to extending electricity services to underserved or rural areas.
Inflationary Pressure: The increased cost of electricity can contribute to inflation. Since electricity is a fundamental input for many sectors, its cost increase can cascade through the economy affecting prices.
The West Africa Power Pool (WAPP) or Regional Electricity Market (REM) in view
Imposing VAT (Value Added Tax) on end-user electricity tariffs in Ghana could make the country less attractive within the context of the mission of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) or the regional electricity market for several reasons:
Higher Prices for Consumers: The imposition of VAT increases the cost of electricity for consumers in Ghana. This could make Ghana less competitive compared to neighboring countries in the WAPP that have lower electricity costs. Investors and businesses often seek locations with lower operational costs, including energy expenses. At a stage where the Regional Electricity Market is through so much competition with regards to tariff affordability, Ghana is walking out of competition. This is very injurious to economic recovery.
Reduced Cross-Border Energy Trade Appeal: If Ghana’s electricity becomes more expensive due to VAT, it could reduce the attractiveness of the country as a trading partner within the regional electricity market. Neighboring countries might prefer to engage with partners offering more competitive prices. It is country’s goal to make Ghana a net exporter of power and the electricity hub of West Africa, hence the collaborations with the Independent Power Producers to invest in the generation infrastructure.
Impact on Regional Competitiveness & Potential Disincentive for Foreign Investment: Ghana’s overall competitiveness in the region could be affected. High electricity costs can influence not just the energy sector but also manufacturing, services, and other sectors that are significant for the economy. Investors often consider energy costs when making investment decisions. Higher electricity costs in Ghana could discourage foreign direct investment, which is crucial for economic growth and development.
Strain on Regional Integration Efforts: The West African Power Pool aims to create an integrated regional electricity market. Disparities in energy pricing due to VAT could create imbalances and strain these integration efforts.
Challenges in Achieving Economies of Scale: The regional power pool’s effectiveness relies on economies of scale and the efficient distribution of energy resources across borders. Different tax regimes, like Ghana’s VAT on electricity, could complicate these dynamics.
Understanding these implications is crucial. It’s not just about domestic policy but also about how these policies position Ghana within the larger regional energy landscape. Balancing domestic fiscal needs with the goals of regional energy integration and competitiveness is a key in this context.
Source: Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor(CEO of IPPG & Power Systems Economist)
has marked its 30 years’ anniversary with Ghana’s Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, praising the current management and the Board for turning around the company.
BEST was incorporated in December 1993 as a private company limited by liability company under the Companies Act, 1963 (Act 179) with the Government of Ghana as the sole shareholder.
The company was given the mandate to develop a network of storage tanks, pipelines and other bulk transportation infrastructure throughout the country and keep strategic reserve stocks for Ghana.
On Saturday, 20th January 2024, the company held a Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral of the Most Holy in Accra and Awards Ceremony to climax the 30th anniversary.
The company awarded the founding Managing Director, Board Members, founding staff and partners.
Addressing the staff of BEST at the Thanksgiving Service, the Board Chairman of the company, Mr. Ekow Hackman, said when the current management and Board took over the company, it was not in a good shape.
According to him, the company was struggling in many ways and could best be described as ‘in the shadow of death’.
“The future was bleak for BOST,” he stated.
Mr. Hackman thanked the God for using them to turn the company around and prayed that the company continues to thrive after their exit.
The Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh commended the Management and Board for their hard work which had transformed the company.
He said the company, which was saddled with debt, has been turned into a profit making company, stating that the company made Gh¢161 million profit in 2021 and Gh¢342.5million net profit in 2022.
“I look forward for even more profit,” he said.
Managing Director of BEST, Edwin Provencal in a pose with the mother at the Thanksgiving Service.Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The US Administration has signed the credit award and payment agreement finalizing the US$1.1 billion in credit payments awarded under the Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) programme to help keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in operation.
The payments are through the Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) programme, a USD6 billion strategic investment under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help keep the USA’s existing reactor fleet in operation.
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) plant was conditionally awarded the credit in November 2022.
“Preserving the nation’s nuclear fleet is critical not only to reaching America’s clean energy goals, but also to ensuring that homes and businesses across the country have reliable energy,” said Maria Robinson, director of the US Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office.
The announcement “demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to domestic nuclear energy by preserving existing generation, while we continue to support a stronger nuclear power industry”, she added.
The payments will be made in installments over four years of operation from 2023, with the amounts adjusted to reflect factors including the actual costs of keeping the two-unit plant in operation.
The first payment, to be made in 2025, will be based on the operation of the plant in 2023 and 2024.
While nuclear power currently provides nearly 50% of the USA’s carbon-free electricity, shifting energy markets and other economic factors have resulted in the early closures of some 13 of the country’s commercial reactors since 2012.
The CNC programme – part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021 – aims to address those challenges by allocating credits to “certified” reactors which can show that they are projected to close for economic reasons and that closure will lead to a rise in air pollutants and carbon emissions.
PG&E had agreed in 2016 that the two-unit Diablo Canyon plant would close at the end of its current licenses – in 2024 for unit 1 and 2025 for unit 2.
At that time, it was thought that the plant’s output would no longer be required as California focused on an energy policy centered on efficiency, renewables and storage.
However, in September 2022 – as California’s energy grid saw its highest-ever peak demand during a record-breaking heatwave – the state passed a law allowing the two nuclear units that provide 9% of California’s power generation to continue operation.
Source: World Nuclear News
Production at Libya’s largest oil field is about to restart after a three-week outage, the country’s National Oil Corporation said in a statement.
Protesters shut down the field in early January and said they would not let the NOC reopen it until their demands were met.
Said demands focused on job creation for local communities and more infrastructure investment in the region.
The National Oil Corporation declared force majeure on El Sharara several days later.
“The loss of confidence in the continuity of supplying the global market with Libyan oil will result in Libyan oil remaining unmarketed,” the Libyan oil ministry said in a statement at the time.
“Closing and reopening the production requires maintenance operations and the treatment of technical problems, as well as a lot of effort, a long time, and a high cost to be borne by the Libyan state treasury”, the ministry added.
El Sharara was producing around 270,000 bpd before the latest outage, which made it the biggest contributor to Libya’s total crude oil output.
It has the capacity to pump up to 300,000 bpd.
The field shutdown caused total output to slip below 1 million barrels daily for the first time in months.
Oil fields remain vulnerable to protests in Libya as they make for a natural target for protesters who want to drive a message home.
El Sharara is the top target in such circumstances because of its importance to the country’s economy.
This time, there was also the additional risk of a refinery closure due to protests in the Oil Crescent.
The protesters agreed to talk with a mediator to have their demands met before shutting down the Zawya refinery and the Mellitah complex.
These demands include addressing corruption and removing the head of the National Oil Corporation, Farahat Bengdara, Reuters reported earlier this month.
Source: Oilprice.com
Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation (BEST) Company Limited formerly BOST has honoured Mr. James Koku Ahiadome, the Chief Executive Officer of JK Ahiadome Transport Company, for being the first transporter to work with them since the inception of the company.
BOST was incorporated in December 1993 as a private company limited by liability company under the Companies Act, 1963 (Act 179) with the Government of Ghana as the sole shareholder.
The company was given the mandate to develop a network of storage tanks, pipelines and other bulk transportation infrastructure throughout the country and keep Strategic Reserve Stocks for Ghana.
Last month marked the 30th anniversary of the company.
On Saturday, 20th January 2024, the company held a Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral of the Most Holy in Accra and Awards Ceremony to climax the 30th anniversary.
The company awarded the founding Managing Director, Board Members, founding staff and partners.
Among the partners who were awarded was Mr. James Koku Ahiadome, CEO of JK Ahiadome Transport Company.
Popularly known as ‘Majaro’, Mr. JK Ahiadome is one of the leading petroleum haulage transporters in the Republic of Ghana.
Presenting a plaque to him, Managing Director of BEST, Edwin Alfred Nii Obodai Provencal, commended Mr. James Ahiadome for partnering with the company to transport petroleum products since the inception of the company.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Daystar Power, a leading hybrid solar energy provider for businesses and industrial manufacturers in Africa and a member of the Shell Group, has commissioned a 4.3MW grid-tied solar system at the Kumasi factory of Rider Steel, Ghana’s largest steel producer.
The installation is the largest distributed solar power project for an industrial manufacturer in Ghana.
In a statement, the company said it mounted 7,524 units of 580Wp PV modules on the 30,000m2 factory roof.
All solar panels are connected to a remote monitoring system, allowing for preventive maintenance.
With the new solar system, Rider Steel will offset 49,900 tons of CO2 emissions over the installation’s 20-year lifetime.
“We’re delighted to inaugurate this solar system for Rider Steel, which is by far our largest project in Ghana. It’s a compelling example that shows solar energy can power heavy industry and integrate well with the grid,” said Jasper Graf von Hardenberg, CEO of Daystar Power.
“Rider Steel Group acknowledges and is dedicated to fostering a sustainable, eco-friendly future by minimizing our carbon footprint. We are thrilled to announce the inauguration of a unique 4.3MW solar facility in collaboration with our partners, Daystar. This solar installation will enable us to procure 20% of our electricity requirements from clean and sustainable energy sources, and underscores our commitment to promoting sustainable steel recycling in Ghana and across West Africa.
“We express our gratitude to Daystar and its dedicated team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the timely completion of this project,” said Walid Al-Alami, Director of Rider Steel Ghana.
Founded in 2017, by the African venture builder Sunray Ventures, Daystar Power counts the region’s leading industrial and commercial companies among its client base and is active in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Togo, Tanzania, and South Africa.
With over 400 projects completed in seven countries, Daystar has 100MW of power-generating assets. Daystar Power is part of the Shell Group.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Electricity Company of Ghana has cautioned the public against engaging in uncontrolled bush burning as the practice often leads to burning of electric poles, thereby, affecting power supply.
According to ECG, this uncontrolled setting of fire to clear bushes across the West African nation, often ends up burning poles and distribution lines, causing serious damages to network system, resulting in outages and inconvenience to customers.
Between 2022 and 2023, over 3000 electric poles belonging to ECG and Northern Electricity Distribution Company were burnt due to activities of bush burners.
In a public notice issued by the ECG as Harmattan season sets in, it said “ECG wishes to inform all and sundry to be safety conscious when clearing bushes, and ensure the use of fire belts to prevent uncontrolled bush burning.
“Please be informed that ECG reserves the right to seek legal redress against offenders whose activities destroy our installation,” it stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
U.S. oil and gas supermajor, ExxonMobil is in talks with Algeria’s national state-owned oil company Sonatrach about oil and gas exploration opportunities in the North African country.
The North African nation’s Minister for Energy Mohamed Arkab said on Tuesday that a deal is expected to be reached in the next few days.
Algeria is pushing hard to boost its oil and gas output, and it is expecting to attract Exxon and other American companies to invest in its energy sector, as has already done, sources said.
Algeria’s oil production is at around 1 million barrels per day, and its gas at 106 billion cubic meters per year, according to figures released by Sonatrach.
Source: htts://energynewsafrica.com
Senegal’s national electricity company, Senelec has signed a $120 million deal with Vinci Energies, a French engineering firm to develop electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure in the West African country.
The contract forms part of the second phase of a wider programme to expand Senegal’s transmission and distribution grid, with a view to efficiently and sustainably strengthening the country’s energy capacity by 2026 and to move towards universal access to electricity.
The 36-month contract involves building 1,350 km of high-voltage overhead and underground transmission lines and eight very-high-voltage transformer stations.
The distribution system will likewise be extended and densified, connecting several thousand homes.
The project will also see the enhancement of the grid management system, with the addition of a remote control interface to manage operations and detect defects in the overhead and underground power lines.
The transmission lines will be used to connect several thousand homes in Senegal to the national grid.
With support from Vinci Energies’ French and Moroccan subsidiaries, local teams will be trained to construct and operate the transmission and distribution infrastructure.
The project serves as part of Senegal’s strategy to strengthen the country’s energy capacity and achieve universal access to electricity by 2026.
The project which is co-financed by French Development Agency is poised to employ over 1,000 people.
Source: htts://energynewsafrica.com
Russia boosted its crude oil exports in late December and early January and all its Asia-bound cargoes from its Western ports continue to pass through the Suez Canal/Red Sea route, vessel-tracking data monitored by reporters showed on Tuesday.
Russia’s crude oil shipments averaged 3.43 million barrels per day (bpd) in the four weeks to January 14, a rise of 94,000 bpd compared to the four weeks to January 7, according to the data reported by Bloomberg’s Julian Lee.
In the week to January 14, Russian crude exports by sea jumped by 166,000 bpd to 3.45 million bpd, down from the May-June 2023 levels, from which Russia has pledged to cut supply in the first quarter of 2024.
But the export level in the latest reporting week to January 14 was still less than half the 500,000 bpd cut that Russia has pledged for this quarter, the data compiled by Bloomberg showed.
In the week to January 7, Russian crude oil shipments averaged 3.28 million bpd—exactly 300,000 bpd below the observed exports by sea in May and June, which are used as reference levels for Russia’s promised reduction of 300,000 bpd of crude exports, Bloomberg data showed last week.
At the latest OPEC+ meeting at the end of November, Russia said it would deepen the export cut to 500,000 bpd in the first quarter of 2024 – with May and June 2023 being the reference export levels for the cut.
The cut this quarter will consist of reductions in exports of 300,000 bpd of crude and 200,000 bpd of refined products.
All crude cargoes loaded at the Russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas continue their journey to Asia – now Russia’s top export destination – via the Suez Canal/Red Sea route, per Bloomberg’s data.
While the Houthis are targeting tankers and container ships operated by the West, Russian shipments are considered to be relatively safe in the Red Sea, unless a tanker is hit by mistake.
Also worth noting in Russia’s oil shipments data is that Moscow likely continues to struggle to sell its Sokol crude, with Bloomberg estimating that 16 cargoes carrying more than 11 million barrels of crude are still stuck on tankers at sea and going nowhere.
Source:Oilprice.com
Zambia’s power utility company, Zesco Limited, has reported that its bulk sub-station situated in the Northmead area in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, caught fire under unknown circumstances on Thursday morning.
According to the company, the 33/11kV Dublin sub-station caught fire at about 09:30 hours.
The incident adversely affected power supply in several areas in Lusaka, including Garden Chilulu, Thompark, Northmead, Rhodespark, part of Emmasdale, part of Chaisa and part of Fairview.
A statement issued and signed by Eng Peter Chamfya, Director for Distribution and Customer Service, explained that a collaborative effort from the Lusaka City County and Zambia Airforce Fire Brigades successfully extinguished the fire from about 10:30 hours.
The statement said alternative power supply arrangements were implemented and by 11:56 hours, power supply was restored in all the affected areas.
“Zesco has since commenced investigations to establish the cause of the fire,” the statement said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria’s Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has advised his countrymen to stop using their limited resources to buy transformers, electric poles and other electrical materials for electricity distribution companies (Discos) before they are connected with power.
The Power Minister said it is the responsibility of the Distribution companies (Discos) to provide infrastructures such as cables, poles, transformers and the like that are required to deliver their services since it would be paid for by the consumers.
It is a common practice in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, for communities and individuals who want their homes and businesses to be connected to the national grid to buy electrical materials for Discos to facilitate the connection.
However, Adebayo Adelabu, who assumed the post barely six months ago, believes that the time has come for this practice to be stopped.
“A situation where communities buy transformers, cables and poles must stop.
As a minister, I don’t want to hear news of communities being asked to purchase electric transformers, cables and poles.
If the consumers are paying for the electricity, then, it is the responsibility of the distribution companies to provide these items.
“There must be improvement in power supply.
That is what the government planned to do. People should not pay for darkness.
When people have a 24-hour power supply, they can pay double for electricity because you have saved them the money to power generators.
“We don’t want to hear the news of communities buying transformers, cables, and poles for themselves again.
The federal government frowns at it. You see what we have done in Kaduna. Service to our people is paramount.
It is the responsibility that Mr President has placed on us,” he said.
The Minister said President Bola Tinubu frowns at the situation where communities would be forced to purchase transformers, poles and cables and electricity distribution companies take ownership of the same to provide services that customers would still pay.
He warned that the current administration would not tolerate a situation where communities would be forced to purchase such items by themselves while also asking Nigerians to desist from paying for darkness, adding that a constant and stable power supply is one of the main focuses of the present administration.
Minister Adelabu said this during a courtesy call on the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan on Monday, when he also inspected power infrastructure and commissioned a substation.
The minister had earlier addressed workers at the Transmission Company of Nigeria Sub-station, Ayede Ibadan, as well as management staff at the headquarters of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Ring Road, Ibadan.
Touching on vandalism of power infrastructures in the country, Minister Adebayo Adelabu said, “Some people are working to destroy our national assets.
It is our responsibility to protect them (national assets) collectively.
“When you notice any strange movement around our national assets, let us escalate it.
Any strange movement should be reported to the security agencies. We can do it individually.
We have the support of Mr President, the National Security Adviser and all security agencies.
“We have seen the destruction of transmission wires in some parts of the country. These are the assets that cost billions of naira to install.
It is a fight that must be jointly fought.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has threatened to disconnect Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and APL Electric Limited-Aba (APLE) for failing to pay their electricity bills that have accumulated to over N44 billion.
According to a public notice issued by the Market Operator of TCN, the two companies failed to comply with electricity market rules, thus, risking the suspension.
For ASCL, the TCN said the advert was a formal suspension notice: “As of the November 2023 billing cycle, ASCL has accumulated a total outstanding debt of N33,071,002,129.49 billion comprising of N30,849,749,981.01 billion for energy and capacity delivered by Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET) and N2,221,252,148.48 owed to Service Providers.”
It added that on the 20th of March 2023, the MO issued a notification to the company for corrective actions within a specified period but an intervention by the Minister for Power temporarily halted enforcement actions to allow the company an opportunity to rectify its defaults.
While stating that the defaults remain unresolved, ASCL is required to settle all outstanding invoices and provide an adequate bank guarantee of N70,177,727.39 for MO’s invoice and N320m for NBET’s invoice within 14 days from the date of this notice.
“Failure to rectify these defaults within the specified period will lead to the disconnection of ASCL’s network from the National Grid, by section 45 of the Market Rules.”
It added that should the defaults remain unresolved after 30 business days of disconnection, the MO would proceed to terminate ASCL’s Market Participation Agreement and escalate the non-compliance matter to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for Business Continuity Regulation to commence.
For APL Electric Limited-Aba, it said the company had accumulated a total outstanding debt of N10,951,460,668.62, comprising N9,356,043,543.70 for energy and capacity delivered by Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and N1,595,417,124.92 owed to service providers.
It said to avoid disconnection, APLE Electric is required to settle all outstanding invoices and provide a bank guarantee of N331,222,149.10 for MO’s invoices and N3bn for NDPHC’s invoice, within 14 days and failure to rectify the defaults within the specified period would lead to the disconnection of its network from the national grid.
“Should the defaults remain unresolved after 30 business days of disconnection, the Market Operator will proceed to terminate APLE Electric’s Market Participation Agreement and escalate the non-compliance matter to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for Business Continuity Regulation to commence.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenyan President William Ruto, last Saturday, cut a tape to officially inaugurate a substation at Naivasha Special Economic Zone in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, to boost power supply in the area.
The 90MVA Kenya Power substation aims to connect the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Inland Container deport (ICD) in Naivasha Industrial Park with 66/11kV reliable quality supply.
It will also enhance network expansion and quality of supply to customers within the Mai Mahiu area and its environs.
Ruto noted that the entity would power industries in the facility at reduced costs and create over 3,000 job opportunities for Kenyans.
“We are on course in our quest to transforming Kenya into an attractive investment destination and a leader in green industrialisation.
By equipping our Special Economic Zones with clean energy and essential infrastructure, we aim to attract foreign direct investments, drive industrial growth and enhance exports.
This is how we Plan to grow our economy and create jobs for our people,”
Ruto stated as he issued licences to six companies set to invest in the plant.
President Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, Governor Susan Kihika and various Cabinet Secretaries including Davis Chirchir (Energy), Rebecca Miano (Investments, Trade and Industry) and Zacharia Njeru (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation).
Also present were the Board of Directors of Kenya Power, the MD & CEO, Dr Joseph Siror, investors, among others.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
![Ghana: BOST Marks 30th Anniversary [Photos]](https://i0.wp.com/energynewsafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/421354140_705892618360747_9008755779891699174_n.jpg?fit=696%2C464&ssl=1 "Ghana: BOST Marks 30th Anniversary [Photos]")
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
Among the partners who were awarded was Mr. James Koku Ahiadome, CEO of JK Ahiadome Transport Company.
Popularly known as ‘Majaro’, Mr. JK Ahiadome is one of the leading petroleum haulage transporters in the Republic of Ghana.
Presenting a plaque to him, Managing Director of BEST, Edwin Alfred Nii Obodai Provencal, commended Mr. James Ahiadome for partnering with the company to transport petroleum products since the inception of the company.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
By equipping our Special Economic Zones with clean energy and essential infrastructure, we aim to attract foreign direct investments, drive industrial growth and enhance exports.
This is how we Plan to grow our economy and create jobs for our people,”
Ruto stated as he issued licences to six companies set to invest in the plant.
President Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, Governor Susan Kihika and various Cabinet Secretaries including Davis Chirchir (Energy), Rebecca Miano (Investments, Trade and Industry) and Zacharia Njeru (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation).
Also present were the Board of Directors of Kenya Power, the MD & CEO, Dr Joseph Siror, investors, among others.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com