East African Infrastructure and Engineering Journal May - June 2014

Volume 2 Issue 012 May - June 2014

Plans launched to

Rebuild Nairobi City

• Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania budgets focus on infrastructure • NATIONAL ROAD Infrastructure Upgradings • Rhino Cement Foundation Mentorship Day Marked in style • Housing Finance posts 13% growth in first quarter

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the team Editor Evans Otieno Advertising Executives Collins Ogonda - Kenya Jobunga Ndere - Uganda W. Minga - Tanzania Eva Gichohi - Rwanda Photographer Samson Wire Media Manager Peter Acham Design & Layout Ted Ojijo teddojijo@gmail.com Marketing Victorianet Solutions Published & Printed by Spako Media Limited P.O. Box 4517-00100 Nairobi, Kenya.

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East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review Journal is published bi-monthly and is circulated to members of relevant associations governmental bodies and other personnel in the building & construction industry as well as suppliers of plant and equipment, materials and services in East Africa.

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Editorial...

Maintaining momentum in infrastructure investment for growth

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n 12th June 2014, the East African Community (EAC) member states unveiled their 2014/15 budget estimates.

Infrastructure is one of the most critical enablers of a successful regional integration, taking into account its importance in facilitating activities such as trade, agriculture, tourism and the movement of labour. Cognizant of this fact, the EAC member states in their new budgets focuses on infrastructure developments with increased allocations compared to their previous financial year budget.

Improved infrastructure network in the region is key to attracting investment into the member states, improving competitiveness, and promoting trade.

The transport system in Tanzania and Kenya, in addition to supporting national economic development, acts as a vital transit network for the neighbouring landlocked countries of the Lake Victoria Basin Region of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi Ethiopia, southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The EAC member states have therefore indicated their promise in regional infrastructure intervention by investing more in infrastructure development and initiatives that promote trade within their countries and the entire region.

In this edition, we feature various projects in support of sustainable regional infrastructure as well as promoting East Africa’s Socio economic development. Among the featured news, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania budgets focuses on infrastructure as AfDB approve $109 Million for road project in Uganda. In the property industry, Kenya’s leading property services provider, Housing Finance, posts a Group profit of kshs 315.97 million before tax in the first quarter of 2014 while Shelter Afrique signs an mou with CITICC and IFC to fund affordable housing projects in the sub-saharan african region.

Make it appoint to read more on our regional infrastructure in this edition and understand that the planned budget is achievable if the countries remain peaceful.

Welcome and enjoy your reading!

Yours faithfully.

Evans Otieno, Editor.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

inside...

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CONTENTS Standard Gauge Railway to improve economy and cut costs

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Kidero launches plan to rebuild Nairobi City

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Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania budgets focus on infrastructure

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NATIONAL ROAD Infrastructure Upgradings 15

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Focus on services offered by RACECA member companies

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Sunset Paradise Apartments: Executive, Serene, Secure and Spacious

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Rhino Cement Foundation Mentorship Day Marked in style

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Bamburi Cement signs Ksh4.8Bn partnership with Mombasa County on Solid Waste Management 32

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VILLAPOINT COMPANY LTD: Turning ideas into fruition

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Housing Finance posts 13% growth in first quarter 38

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Williamson Tea Leading the Way with Solar Powery

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

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NEWS / KENYA

Standard Gauge Railway to improve economy and cut costs

President Uhuru Kenyatta officially commissioned the construction of the country’s first Standard Gauge Railway.

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ovember 28th 2013 marked a milestone in the history of Kenya’s Transport Sector when President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto officially commissioned the construction of the country’s first Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Changamwe, Mombasa County.

The railway line that will run from Mombasa, through Nairobi, to Malaba on the KenyaUganda border is expected to strengthen Kenya's position as a regional gateway and transport hub. Kenyans lauded the project as they are set to enjoy considerable cost

savings in the next three to five years once the construction is complete.

As one of the Kenyas Vision 2030 Flagship Projects, this 14 billion U. S. dollar infrastructural project will be an economic game-changer for Kenya. It will transform transportation of people and good between Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.

Kenya is on the first lane to be an ideal business destination for locals and foreigners as part of its strategy to become a middle income country by 2030.

The SGR which is the largest project to be undertaken in the country in 50 years is expected to transfer freight from roads to rail

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

NEWS / KENYA

Kenya is on the first lane to be an ideal business destination for locals and foreigners as part of its strategy to become a middle income country by 2030.

reducing rapid roads damage, provide safe and rapid intercity passenger transport. The project involves the development of a modern high speed, high capacity standard gauge railway for passengers and freight within the Northern Corridor, with speeds of 80 Kph and 120 Kph for Freight and Passenger trains respectively. Each passenger train will have a capacity of 960 passengers.

Speaking during the launch, President Uhuru Kenyatta termed the project as a historic milestone that would transform the course of development not just for Kenya but for the entire region adding that it would offer the business community greater choice in transport, and create the competition required to keep the sector vibrant and cost-efficient.

While Kenya has a railway line that runs from Mombasa to Jinja Uganda, a majority of Kenyans have never boarded a train, thus many believes that the construction of the new standard gauge railway line will give them a chance to use passenger train services. Travelers mainly rely on road transport that is costly and takes hours.

Reduce Commuting Time Trains using the new line will initially run on diesel. Once the country is able to supply adequate electricity to the railway line, the trains will then be converted to electric increasing the speed from 120 to 160km per hour.

Basic commodity prices have remained high due to the high road transportation costs within the region. Such prices are however expected to drastically drop by 2017 when the new line is commissioned.

According to plans at the Kenya’s Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, the proposed new railway line is expected to connect Mombasa to Kampala and Kigali, offering an alternative to cargo transporters who presently rely on an overstretched road transport network and save it from the wear and tear.

It is anticipated that after completion, the cost of moving cargo along the railway line will be reduced by 60 percent compared to the current road transport.

The use of trucks to ferry cargo from the port of Mombasa to the rest of the country and the region has had significant impact on roads. The project aims to transfer freight and passengers from roads to rail, reducing road damage and providing safe and rapid intercity transportation. The project will drastically reduce commuting time between Mombasa and Nairobi to 4 hours from 14 hours for passenger trains and 8 hours from the current 36 hours for freight trains. .Areas along major highways where trucks make stops like Mlolongo, Salgaa and Busia will experience a reduced number of heavy commercial vehicles on road.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Eng. Michael Kamau is optimistic that the project is strategic and an enabler to the country's economic growth as envisioned in the country's long term projects. “If completed, these rail expansion projects will change the way people move between Nairobi and its neighboring cities including to the region, Kampala, Kigali, Bujumbura and by large Juba, which has applied to become an EAC member,� said Eng. Kamau.

The project will without doubt provide the country with enormous economic development benefits once completed.

According to Prof. Wainaina Gituro, the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat (DVS) Acting Director General, the railway project will herald a major economic transformation based on an expected slashing of commodity prices.

"Kenyans from all walks of life are set to enjoy considerable cost savings in the next three to five years, once the construction of a standard gauge railway, is completed," Prof. Gituro said.

The SGR will cover 1,185 km in Kenya connecting the port of Mombasa to Nairobi onward to Malaba and branching off to Kisumu. Uganda will construct over 1399 km of rail from Malaba to Kampala with branches to various towns before joining to the main line connecting it to Rwanda.

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NEWS / KENYA

Kidero launches plan to rebuild Nairobi City

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airobi County Governor Dr. Evans Kidero on 27th May launches the County's Integrated Urban Development Master Plan aimed at changing the face of the capital city. Speaking during the event at his office in City Hall, the governor said that the master plan has been developed with the technical assistance of the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica). The plan which proposes the construction of a railway city, new bus and matatu termini and wider road networks intends to transform the way things operate in the city and it should therefore be supported by city residents and all stakeholders.

The plan also proposes the removal of the bus and matatu termini from the proposed railway city in order to reduce traffic congestion in the city’s northern

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part of the station. The governor said that the master plan involved a consultative approach with key stakeholders and Nairobi residents as it focuses o developing the CBD. Unnecessary functions within the CBD are also proposed to be relocated to the railway city to stimulate its growth. The plan further seeks to address urban transport development to link the CBD to the Railway

City as well as widen enterprise road.

Kidero said that the plan will first be subjected to citizen validation in order to reach a consensus before approval by the county executive committee and the county assembly for implementation.

It will also be subjected to legal and institutional frameworks to support its implementation.

On maters environment, the governor confirmed that the plan will have a storm water drainage and sewerage, solid waste management and air pollution management system. “The process was citizen driven and has incorporated stakeholder views as much as possible,� he said asking the national government and state corporations to support his team to ensure the attainment of the flagship project. Also present during the occasion was Jica's Senior Representative, Koji Noda.

Kiambio Bridge Launched In yet another city development, Dr. Evans Kidero, on 22nd May2014 officially opened the New Kiambio Bridge in Eastleigh south Ward and the Korogocho clinic.The Bridge project by the NCC government cost KSH 4.5 Million and will improve mobility and security in the informal settlement of Kiambio.

During his visit to Kiambio, the Governor instructed Sub County and Ward Managers to work hand in hand with the Area DO, Chiefs and Sub Chiefs to deal with issues of insecurity. He also instructed that children who had attained three years and above should be taken to school.

The Governor also toured Korogocho where he opened the Korogocho health clinic located in the sprawling Korogocho slums which will bring health services closer to the residents of Korogocho's informal settlement as well provide medical care for women, children and the vulnerable in the informal settlements. The Governor was accompanied on this trip by the Deputy Governor, Jonathan Mueke, members of his County Executive and senior Managers of Nairobi City County.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

NEWS / KENYA

Comprehensive water, roads and agriculture program launhed in Machakos County

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achakos counter under the leadership of H.E. GOVERNOR ALFRED N. MUTUA recently launched a comprehensive infrastructure programme aimed at improving the lives of Machokos residents. Under it water infrastructure programme, the county government of Machakos is drilling over 800 boreholes, 820 dams & pans, water raised tanks for treated water for all 896 villages to ensure water security. Speaking during that launch in Machakos, the governor said that his government has already mapped out every village using modern technology and also plan to de-silt all the existing dams promising that by end of this year, every village will have clean water tanks.

On the county’s roads infrastructure, Mutua said that his government is tarmacking all major roads starting with the Makutano-ma-Mwala to Kithimani road then the Mavoko roads to ensure that transport within the county is convenient.

Apart from the free tractors, subsidized fertilizer, free chicks and free seeds that were availed to farmers, the county government is also giving greenhouses to 20 women groups in each of the county's 40 wards to enhance food security for the county and country in general. To fast track these developments, the governor said that the county have purchased 36 heavy machines that include borehole rigs, bulldozers, excavators and graders.

Under its Maendeleo Chap Chap

ideology and program, the county also launched the construction of Devki to Namanga Road, Pepe Container Depot through Makadara to Namanga Road linkages within Athi River urban area and other major roads in Mavoko Constituency.

“Now that we in Machakos, have made our people the priority, some of these leaders are confused and scared that their days of plundering and rudderless leadership are over. They cannot understand how we can use all the money allocated to a road to build the road with no sideshow deals and payouts’’ the governor said.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

The governor further observed that Kenya has always had the potential to be a first world country with excellent services and economic growth that provides employment and hope to our youth. However, poor political leadership, at all levels, has made the country stagnate and focus on political games rather than speedy implementation of projects. Machakos County is an administrative County in the eastern part of Kenya. The county has been selected as the home to the upcoming Konza Technology City due to its close proximity to Nairobi, good infrastructure and availability of land.

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NEWS / TANZANIA

Mega plan for countrywide power connection outlined in Tanzania The Makambako substation capacity will also be increased 900km power transmission lines of 33Kv constructed.

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he Government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Energy and Minerals is planning to connect the whole country to the national grid. In its seven mega power projects outlined to be implemented between 2014-2017, the government will connect all parts of the country to electricity and sell surplus power to neighbouring countries. While tabling his ministry's budget estimates for the financial year 2014/15, the Minister for Energy and Minerals, Prof Sospeter Muhongo, told the National Assembly that no part of the country would remain untouched.

The projects include the Iringa to Shinyanga (400kV); Makambako to Songea (220kV); North-East Grid (400kV); North-West Grid (400kV); SingidaArusha-Namanga (400kV), BulyanhuluGeita (220kV), and Electricity V (33kV, 0.4kV, 132kv and 220kV).

Prof. Muhongo said that the project would involve the construction of a 670km transmission line with 400kV from Iringa through Dodoma, Singida to Shinyanga adding that substations and 33kV transmission lines would be

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constructed as part of the project. He further explained that Kishapu, Igunga, and Shinyanga residents had been compensated to give way for implementation of the project.

In the Makambako-Songea power project, the minister said that a 250km power line of 220kV and two substations in Madaba and Songea of 220/33kV would be constructed. The Makambako substation capacity will also be increased 900km power transmission lines of 33Kv constructed.

With regard to the North-East Grid, the minister said that the project would consist of a 400kV power line that would stretch for 664km from Kinyerezi, in Dar es Salaam, to Arusha through Chalinze, in Coast region, and Segera in Tanga region. Another 104km-long 22okV transmission line from Segerea, in Dar es Salaam, to Tanga through Kibaha and Bagamoyo in Coast region would also be constructed. He however noted that the project would involve the construction of big substations in Bagamoyo, Chalinze, Segera and Tanga for the distribution of power in villages and districts where the line would pass.

According to the minister, the NorthWest Grid would be built with a

capacity of 400kV and would stretch from Sumbawanga-Mpanda-Kigoma to Nyakanazi for a distance of 1,148km.

He said that the first phase of the project will involve the construction of a 340km transmission line from Mbeya to Sumbawanga and big substations in Uyole (Mbeya region) and Sumbawanga.

He said that the Singida-ArushaNamanga project was being implemented as part of the projects under the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya interconnection with a view to selling power abroad.

According to the minister, the sixth project which would involve construction of a 220kV power transmission line stretching for 25km would connect Bulyanhulu to Geita. The project the minister said would would involve the construction of a substation in Geita and removal of 2,000 conventional meters and install LUKU meters. In conclusion, Professor said that in the 2014/15 financial year, various works would be undertaken, including the purchase of equipment, preparations for the supply of grid power to all the areas where the project would pass, and construction of transmission lines.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

PROFILE / CONSTRUCTION COST

Cellebrating 20 years of excellence in provision of quantity surveying and project management services

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The company maintains a competitive edge in the industry through the use of latest technology and software to deliver efficient, accurate and timely services.

Mr. Daniel Kimoro, Managing Partner of CCC

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

rom its humble beginning in 1994, Construction Cost Consultancy (CCC) an independent Kenyan firm has evolved into a success story in the provision of quantity surveying and cost consultancy services within the expansive construction industry across the country.

CCC started by offering quantity surveying services before diversifying to project management services in partnership with a sister company.

The company has successfully provided several quantity surveying and project management consultancy services to the commercial and industrial sector, financial institutions, residential housing, learning institutions, retail chain outlets and the hospitality industry.

Located at The Office Park along Riverside Drive in Nairobi, CCC has the necessary experience and skills to successfully provide and deliver quality services on time. Speaking to East African Infrastructure & Engineering Review during a press interview at his office, Mr. Daniel Kimoro, the Managing Partner of CCC said that the company maintains a competitive edge in the industry through the use of lat-

est technology and software to deliver efficient, accurate and timely services.

The firm has implemented modern computer aids and information technology systems for timely service delivery to its clients in both the public and private sectors. On all its projects, the company ensures that proper management and supervision at every level is maintained in order to achieve the highest standards of workmanship within the agreed project specifications duration and budget.

According to Mr. Kimoro, the company’s excellent performance in the industry has been driven by the Software currently used. These are, Dimension X and QS Plus.

In order to set CCC partly above from its competitors within the field as well as speed-up its development activities, Mr. Kimoro said that the company is developing its own custom software in response to current market trends. He however observed that early and proper preparation of documents makes the post contract management work easy and efficient. He noted that in most of their projects, contract costs have been within 5% of their estimates and the same hardly go over 10%, unless there are approved variations to the project.

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PROFILE / CONSTRUCTION COST More important, CCC Employees understand that working as a team often produces faster results.

In this regard, the company has built on a team oriented approach that focuses on maintaining productivity and delivery of quality customer service.

“At the end of the day, the success of the company depends on the team’s efforts and contribution” he said. Additionally the company is committed in supporting community activities and always encourages its staff to participate in community development as well as CSR activities.

Construction Cost offers a wide variety of pre and post contract services as follows: Pre-Contract Services • Budget estimates • Feasibility studies including developers budgets • Cash flow projections • Cost planning and control • Advising on economics of various building types, materials and modes of construction • Preparation of bills of quantities for both building and civil works • Preparation of specifications • Tendering procedures and contractual arrangements • Tender evaluation and reports.

ENT HM S I RB FU RE

ONTRACTORS T-OUT C OR FI I R E T & IN

AIRCON ELECTRA SERVICES (NAIROBI) LTD REGISTERED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR “ERC Class A1” “Category NCA 1”

We are proud to be associated with Construction Cost Consultancy Projects OFFICE AT: Riverside Drive P.O. Box 57743-00200 NAIROBI - KENYA Wireless: 254 20 2369396/7 Cell: + 254 714 744230 / 732 999980 Email: aircon@africaonline.co.ke / info@aircon.co.ke

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We are proud to be associated with Construction Cost Consultancy Projects & Bowman Associates Projects PRABHATAM. 1ST PARKLANDS AVENUE, P.O.BOX 10748-00100, NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: +254 20 2658134 / 35 MOBILE: +254 731 337001 FAX: +254 20 2658136 WEB: www.seyani.com

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

PROFILE / CONSTRUCTION COST Post Contract Services • Preparation of Interim Valuations • Evaluating Project variations and claims • Preparation of financial appraisals • Preparation of final accounts • Dispute resolution • Forensic audits Amongst the firm’s on-going projects marked for completion before September 2014 include DTB New Head Office fit out, Adcapital Towers and Spring Valley Business Park in Nairobi. In the recent past, the company successfully completed various projects in different market sectors including Karen One Office Development, Redhill Housing in Limuru, Waridi Paradise Apartments, Ecobank outfits in various towns, Muthangari Duplexes and Springville Housing in Syokimau among others.

In addition to many projects the firm have successfully undertaken, it also prides on having strong and established relationships across its reputable clientele base which continuously offer

repeat business. Through hard work and delivery of professional services, CCC gets several job commissions through referrals from satisfied customers. “We get most of our clients from referrals.

We maintain high standards in all our areas of operations to deliver the best to our clients” Kimoro said.

The firm’s commitment to technical and service excellence extends to all areas of its operation. Cutting edge industry innovation combined with professionally qualified, experienced and highly trained staff means you get value for money at Construction Cost Consultancy.

We are proud to be associated with Construction Cost Consultancy We are proud to be associated with Construction Cost Consultancy Projects P. O. Box 43436-00100 G.P.O, Nairobi-Kenya Tel: +254 20 2217002 / 2216990 / 315680 Fax: +254 20 2217005 / 2218314 Website: www.sentrim.co.ke Email: sentrim@sentrim.co.ke East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

MENELIK ROAD, OFF NGONG ROAD P.O.BOX 27716-00506, NAIROBI - KENYA Tel: +254 020 3871164 / 3860774 / 3860775 Fax: +254 020 3860774 Email: info@webstonconsulting.com

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PROFILE / CONSTRUCTION COST

Brief Background

Shiv Construction Company Ltd.

We are proud to be associated with Construction Cost Consultancy as the main contractor of Jamii Mill - Sergoit Kipkaren Road - Eldoret P.O.Box 2140 - 30100, Eldoret, Kenya Tel/Fax: 020 2141212 / 053 2061165 Cell: 0738 205620 Email: shiv383@hotmail.com web: www.shivconstruction.net

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Mr. Daniel Kimoro started CCC from his two bedroom apartment which also served as his study room and office in 1994. At that time, Mr Kmoro personally undertook all the tasks of an office from that of messenger to administration. Six months down the road, a friend offered Dan some temporary office space at View park towers in Nairobi’s CBD. From View Park Towers, CCC moved to Davard house in westlands where the company leased some office space before moving to its current offices located at The Office Park along Nairobi’s Riverside drive. Soon, the company plans to move to its new acquired offices at MMID Studio in Nairobi’s westlands area.

Mr. Kimoro holds a BA (Building Economics) Hons Degree from the University of Nairobi and a MSc (Construction Management) degree from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. Mr. Kimoro is a Fellow member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Quantity Surveyors Chapter) and a past Chairman of the Quantity Surveyors Chapter of the Architectural Association of Kenya (20002005), a Corporate member of IQSK and the immediate past President of the Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (2008-2011). Mr. Kimoro has also previously held the position of Vice Chairman of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) as well as the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors.(BORAQS). While at BORAQS Mr. Kimoro chaired the Ethics and Practice Committee.

As the company mark 20 years of excellence since its inception, Mr. Kimoro thanks God for making it all possible for him and the company and urged all to put God first in everything they do, and he will direct them and crown their efforts with success.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

NEWS / EAST AFRICA

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania Budgets focus on infrastructure Infrastructure and power were among the biggest winners in this year’s budget which was read on 12th June.

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he government of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania has shown their interest and commitment in financing and developing infrastructure network to ease the burden of transport as well as facilitating investment in the region. Infrastructure and power were among the biggest winners in this year’s budget which was read on 12th June. In Kenya, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Mr. Henry Rotich presented the biggest budget in the region as East African Community (EAC) member states unveiled their 2014/15 budget estimates.

In their budgets, all the EAC member states are majorly looking to invest more in infrastructure development and initiatives that promote trade locally and within the entire region, as well as security issues. In Kenya’s Sh 1.8trillion budget, Ksh.255.9bn has been set aside for improving transport and logistics, including generation of affordable and reliable energy.

To improve road network in the country, Ksh41.0bn has been allocated to on-going roads construction and

10.0bn for new roads. Ksh. 22.4bn has been allocated for road maintenance, 42.3bn for foreign financed roads and 1.0bn for decongestion of road junctions in Nairobi. “We are expanding the road network to ease movement and facilitate trade”. Rotich said in his budget statement.

Mr.Rotich has also allocated Ksh. 19.4bn for Standard Gauge Rail and Ksh 3.5bn for the Urban Commuter Rail System to ensure completion of the line linking the JKIA to Central Railway Station.

Towards reducing the cost of energy, the government has provided Ksh 43.6bn for energy generation and transmission which comprises of Ksh. 10.0bn for geothermal development, 23.0bn for power transmission and 10.6bn for rural electrification programme.

In the aviation industry, Ksh. 1.65bn has been set for on-going upgrading of Kisumu and Isiolo Airports, and construction of three new airports (Mandera, Malindi and Suneka) and 0.6bn for replacement of ferries.

In Uganda, Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka said infrastructure development, with works and transport bagging

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

biggest portion Uganda’s 2014/15 financial year budget of UgSh14 trillion.

The country plans to create a Road Fund of Ugsh75b for maintenance and rehabilitation of 10,00km. The minister said in her budget speech that the government will accelerate the construction on at least 1,700 km of the ongoing Road projects. The roads include Buteraniro Ntungamo – Rwentobo, Ntungamo-Kabale –Katuna, Hoima–Kaiso–Tonya, and Kampala - Mukono – Jinja, Gulu-AtiakNimule upgrade, Ishaka-Kagamba, Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, Moroto– Nakapiripirit, Kafu – Kiryandongo, and Lukku – Kalangala.

Tanzania’s Finance Minister Saada Mkuya announced a TzSh19.5 trillion ($12b) budget for the 2014/15 financial year that aims at improving people’s lives as well as expanding infrastructure network in the country. The minister said that the government will take soft loans that carry low interest to finance infrastructural development projects. The loans will be taken locally and from external lenders. The East Africa Region operates five modes of transport systems consisting of road, rail, maritime, air transport and oil pipeline.

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NEWS / UGANDA

AfDB APROVED $109 Million for road project in Uganda Road side market vendors are also expected to benefit as their goods and services will be easily accessible.

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frican Development Bank Group (AfDB) board of Directors has approved a Unit of Account (UA) 70 million (about $109 million) loan to the Government of Uganda to fund its Road Sector Support Project V which supports Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP) and Vision 2040.

Amadou Oumarou, AfDB director of the Department for Transport and Information and Communication Technologies said while presenting the project to the AfDB board of directors that through the project, the bank is addressing the growing demand for the provision of quality road infrastructure in the country for speedy socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

Under the project, the RukungiriKihihi-Ishasha/Kanungu and BumbobiLwakhakha roads will be upgraded from gravel to bitumen standard to improve transport system in south-western and eastern parts of Uganda. This will further enhance living standards of the locals as tourism industry will be improved and regional integration and cross border

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business promoted. When completed, the transport cost is expected to reduce and households connected to clean water. Road side market vendors are also expected to benefit as their goods and services will be easily accessible.

The $109 million project is in line with the AfDB’s 2011-2015 Results Based Country Strategy Paper (CSP) that focuses on infrastructure for development and increased agriculture productivity. $245 million in infrastructure funds for Uganda's oil region Meanwhile, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni said in a statement in May that.

World Bank will fund infrastructure projects worth $245 million to revamp facilities in Uganda's Albertine oil region where the country discovered commercial oil reserves, ahead of first oil production in the country. According to the statement, World Bank Vice President for Africa Makhtar Diop announced this during a meeting with president Museveni in Kigali, Rwanda, in May. The country’s oil region which is located along Uganda's western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo

is remote, with very limited infrastructure such as roads, air strips and railways exerting pressure on the need to improve the entire oil region infrastructure network. Government geologists estimate Uganda's crude reserves at 3.5 billion barrels.

The government of Uganda have strongly and consistently advocated building an oil refinery in Uganda to supply the country with fuel (probably also exporting refined products to Rwanda and some parts of Kenya and Tanzania), and to stimulate the development of a local, petrochemicals industry.

Oil companies, such as UK's Tullow, China National Offshore Oil Corp. and France's Total, are expected to spend up $15 billion to develop oil fields in the next three to five years.

CNOOC, which is developing the Kingfisher oil field in the Lake Albert Basin, said that development of the field will likely be delayed by a year to 2018 due to infrastructure bottlenecks.

Uganda is also planning to build a 60,000 b/d oil refinery and an export pipeline to ship out surplus commercial volumes of crude

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

PROFILE / KeNHA

NATIONAL ROAD Infrastructure Upgrading

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enya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has embarked on a multimillion project on 32 roads countrywide to upgrade infrastructure in

47 counties.

Work has already commenced on upgrading to bitumen standards of the Kwale-Lunga Lunga Road while LodwarLokichogio-Nadapal road and rehabilitation of Kitui Turn off-Mwingi-Garissa Road Lot 1 to Tyaa bridge have been earmarked for upgrading, a KeNHA official has said.

On the cards also is the upgrading and rehabilitation of the Kitui Turn

off-Mwingi-Garissa Road Lot 2 to Ukasi Market Centre, the Kitui Turn offMwingi-Garissa Road Lot 3 to Garissa town and construction of pedestrian crossing facilities across Mombasa Road between City Cabanas and Nyayo stadium in Nairobi county. Environmental audits have been conducted for the Nairobi-Thika Super Highway and Nairobi Southern Bypass Road and the other projects in accordance with KeNHA board’s directive, the official said.

In Nyanza and Coast regions, KapsoitSondu Road and Changamwe-Magongo-Miritini section are earmarked for upgrading to bitumen standards to im-

prove infrastructure in the regions. Also to be rehabilitated is the Voi – Mwatate section (including Wundanyi spur). The rehabilitation on the 42-km stretch is ongoing and as at last December its overall progress stood at 65 per cent.

To enable this process to progress smoothly, the agency has completed preparation of Terms Of Reference (TORs) for road reserves and title surveys for the acquired land for the following roads: Ruaka-Limuru 20km, Emali-Oloitoktok 100km , Meru 67km, Nyeri-Nyahururu113km, Thuci-Nkubu 51km and Sultan Hamud-Mtito Andei 130km. The agency said the massive project involves surveying road reserves

OCHIENG ABUODHA & ASSOCIATES LIMITED Consulting Engineers

Ochieng Abuodha & Associates Consulting Engineers Limited is a multi-disciplinary civil / structural engineering consultancy, based in Nairobi. The company was incorporated in 1998.

Our areas of expertise are:(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Roads designs and surveys Structural Designs and Surveys Water supply, design and surveys.

Railway Designs and Surveys.

Bridge design, survey and maintenance.

Dam designs and survey.

PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN FOR KeNHA (1) Feasibility, Preliminary and Detailed Engineering Design of Ugunja - Ruambwa Road.

(2) Feasibility, Preliminary and Detailed Engineering Design of Road over Rail Bridge at Makutano.

(3) Construction Supervision of Siaya - Ruambwa Road (C29) (4) Feasibility, Preliminary and Detailed Engineering Design of Busia - Malaba Road.

(5) Preliminary and Detailed Engineering Design of Mwabungu - Mamba Road (C108).

(6) Construction Supervision of Thua Bridge and Approach Roads on (C96) Road.

“We are proud to be associated with KeNHA in improving our roads infrastructure as envisaged in RSIP & Vision 2030 flagship projects” st

Contacts:- Commercial Street, New Commercial House, 1 Floor, Industrial Area, Nairobi.

P. O. Box 4854, (00506) Nairobi.

Telephone: 020-6536951• Email: sochieng@yahoo.com / sochieng@oaaconsulting.co.ke East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

15

PROFILE / KeNHA to curb encroachment. “The initiative will entail mapping of affected parcels of land and excise the areas reserved for the road to rectify the affected maps,� official explained.

KeNHA said the exercise will entail physically marking the road reserve positions on the ground. Two consultancies have been awarded a tender for the Thika-Makutano section and the Makutano-Marua road. The first consultancy is going on with the work.

The official said other roads due for rehabilitation include the KisumuKakamega Road. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports for a number of road upgrading projects have been completed and submitted to the Nationals Environmental Management Authority NEMA) for licensing. Other projects include proposed improvement of Marich Pass-Lodwar, construction of Dhoghoye Bridge on Kisian-Usenge Road, proposed improvement of Lesseru-Kitale-Marich Pass, proposed rehabilitation of Ndenderu-Banana-Kanunga Road, and proposed rehabilitation of Uplands-Githunguri-Ngewa Road. The

agency said draft reports have been reviewed and feedback forwarded to the consultants for incorporation in the final report. The consultants are expected to submit the final reports to KeNHA. The agency said the Mai Mahiu – Narok – Isebania section in Kenya is proposed for inclusion in East African Community ( EAC) project for which funds will be mobilized by Kenya and her southern neighbor. It will link Kenya with Tanzania and other EAC member states through Mwanza in Tanzania. The EAC logistics budget for the Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road Project includes its sub-components (Arusha-Taveta-Voi and Malindi-Mombasa-Lunga LungaTanga-Bagamoyo road projects) in Coast region.

During the current countrywide infrastructural upgrade project, KeNHA’s Road Reserve Projection and Management team has compiled information to support litigation cases on various land matters that have been filed against the authority. It has also handled numerous cases and enquiries pertaining to road reserve devel-

opments.

In Taveta, the agency noted the Kenya and Tanzanian governments held loan negotiations for the Arusha – Holili/Taveta – Voi section in March, last year. The bank approved loans to both countries in April, 2013 and agreements for construction and supervision of works signed on July.

In March 2013, the Kenya Government commenced procurement of contractors and supervision consultants using Advance Procurement Method and is awaiting approval from the bank to seal the contracts. The construction of the road for the Kenyan component is scheduled to start next month.

In Western Kenya, the Kitale – Endebess – Suam (45km) is a component under Turbi – Moyale road project funded by AfDB and procurement of the design consultant is ongoing. Uganda has proposed to extend the Suam – Kapchorwa section to Muyembe and to Kumi town to shorten the distance to South Sudan via its northern border town of Gulu.

BACKGROUND Since inception, the firm has been actively involved in development projects of various natures in different parts of Kenya both in the Public and Private sectors of the national economy. Our portfolio of clients ranges from small individual developers to Co-operative societies like Murata Sacco, industrial sector like East Africa Industries and Twiga Chemical Industries, parastatal organisations like Kenya Power and Lighting Co. and the defunct Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation, to Government Ministries including Ministry of Roads, Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of local Government.

RANGE OF SERVICES We have offered services in the preliminary and detailed design for major road projects and currently have completed the final design of Siaya Busonga road (C29), Bungoma - Bokoli - Kimilili road (D279) Kaptama Kapsokwony - Sirisia Road (D275) for the MOR, preliminary and detailed design of Ndumberi - Kiawaroga - Limuru (D409)/ Nduota - Gathanga Kigwaru (E1518) Road Project, and Hola - Garsen (B8) Road Project. We have in the most recent accomplished a Preliminary and Detailed Engineering Design for Uplands – Githunguri – Ngewa(C65) & Banana Ndenderu - Kanunga (C63) Road Projects.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND SELECTED PROJECTS. Engiconsult Ltd as a firm has undertaken Highway and urban roads Projects both in Kenya and in Botswana. In this project, Engiconsult rely on both its experience and the accumulated experiences of the experts it intends to deploy on this particular assignment. In each aspect of the assignment, we have individual(s) who have the relevant experience.

Below are road projects handled by our firm: • Supervision of the re-construction of Lanet – Dundori Road (C69). • Preliminary and detailed design of Banana – Ndenderu –Kanunga Road • Preliminary and detailed design of Uplands – Githunguri – Ngewa Road • Preliminary and detailed engineering design Ndumberi- Kiawaroga Limuru Road (D409)/ Nduota- Gathanga- Kigwaru Road (E1518) • Preliminary and detailed engineering design Kaptama- Kapsokwony -Sirisia Road (D275) • Preliminary and detailed engineering design Siaya- Busonga Road (C29) • Preliminary and detailed engineering design Bungoma- Bokoli- Kimilili Road (D279) • Storm water drainage design for cluster one towns for the Urban Development Department MOLG

Volume 2 Issue 009

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For more information, visit our wesite www.eainfrastructure-engineer.com

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East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

17

FEATURE / INFRASTRUCTURE

Understanding Road Network Classification

R

oads are the primary communication links to all sectors of the economy and the population. It is widely recognized that an efficient road infrastructure is a prerequisite for economic and social development.

Roads are at present referred to by a wide range of names and descriptions – National, Main, Trunk, District, City, Rural, Local and Access etc. However, roads can be broadly categorized according to the Authority primarily responsible for their management as national, district, urban and special purpose roads.

National Roads are the main highways of the classified road network comprising Class A, B, C roads.

These roads provide mobility in a national context and the traffic on these roads is usually associated with longer travel distances. Hence design provisions for these roads allow for relatively higher speeds and minimal interference with through traffic i.e. restricted access.

Further classification of roads is based on the functionality of different elements as defined below: Class A: These are international trunk roads linking international boundaries or terminating at international ports e.g.

Malaba-Nairobi-Mombasa Road.

Class B: These are national trunk roads linking provincial headquarters and centres of national importance.

Class C: These are primary roads linking district headquarters to each other or to higher class roads District Roads comprise Class D, E and other unclassified rural roads (excluding

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urban roads).

These roads primarily serve local traffic. The design speeds are usually lower while access control is more relaxed than for the Trunk roads. Further classification of roads is based on the functionality of different elements as defined below: Class D: Secondary roads linking locally important centres to each other or to higher class roads Class E: Minor roads linking minor centres Class F: Special purpose roads including those for tourist, township, agriculture and strategic purposes.

Urban Roads: Urban roads are those falling within the urban areas. Urban roads primarily serve local traffic and are usually associated with shorter travel distances and lower design speeds. Urban roads are classified as follows: Adopted streets are public roads that conform to Cap 462 (Street Adoptions Act). Non-adopted streets are public roads which do not conform to Cap 462.

Generally, urban roads carry higher traffic volumes than rural roads and hence are required to provide a higher level of service. This entails incorporation of features such as multi-lane roads (dual carriageways), higher capacity junctions (traffic lights, fly overs, interchanges). Urban road also traverse heavy built up with larger populations and hence require facilities for nonmotorized traffic (cycle tracks, footpaths) and other pedestrian friendly features such as kerbs, underground drainage and street lighting. As a result, urban

roads are usually more expensive to construct and maintain than rural roads.

Special Purpose Roads These include roads falling within National Parks and Game Reserves, Forest and security roads and are managed by various government agencies such as Kenya Wildlife Services, Forest Department.

PURPOSE OF ROAD CLASSIFICATION A road classification system has several purposes which are interrelated. Key among these are: Planning. The application of a road classification provides a framework for policy formulation in road administration and management. Road classification assists planners in allocating resources for maintenance and development for the road network between different groups of roads and also for setting priorities.

Design. A road classification system indicates an expected level of service for specific road classes and therefore provides guidance to design engineers in applying appropriate design standards.

Administration. Road classification also clarifies responsibilities amongst road administrations and the assignment of road sub-networks.

Usage. A well defined and consistent road classification system influences road user expectations, behaviour and performance in traffic which improves the effectiveness with which the road network carries traffic. Hence the road classification system should provide road users with some confidence in the level and continuity of service intended to be provided.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

FEATURE / INFRASTRUCTURE

Focus on services offered

by RACECA member companies

New road construction

T

he Roads and Civil Engineering Contractors Association, RACECA, is an association registered in Kenya, formed in 2008 by companies engaged in roads and civil engineering construction. Its membership is open to all firms engaged in road and/ or civil engineering construction in Eastern Africa. The purpose of the association is to provide a voice to the contractors working in the Roads and Civil Engineering Construction Industry in Kenya. Since its inception, the association has achieved numerous benefits for its members.

RACECA promotes the positive contribution that the civil engineering industry makes to the East Africa nations. The Industry is an integral part of the economy and RACECA members construct and maintain national infrastructure which is fundamental to both the social and eco-

nomic needs of the countries. RACECA also offers other benefits and services to its members ranging from standards of Conduct to educational conferences and networking opportunities Member companies of RACECA provide the following services in Roads and Civil Engineering Construction: Construction and Rehabilitation of National Highways, Rural and Urban Roads.

RACECA members are regularly employed by the Kenya National Highways Authority, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority in their numerous projects through out the country. They are also employed predominantly by the governments of Tanzania, Uganda, Ethopia and Southern Sudan among other Eastern Africa nations.

Repair and Maintenance of International and Regional Airports RACECA members are frequently

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

commissioned to build and/or rehabilitate International and Regional Airports throughout Africa.

Construction of Airstrips RACECA members are often required to construct Airstrips in the Eastern African region as a temporary access to remote sites or for use by some local communities requiring permanent facilities for light aircraft to reach them.

Major Concrete and Structural Works such as Bridges and Flyovers Major roads and railway projects involve the construction of substantial structures for grade separation. RACECA members construct these bridges and flyovers using reinforced concrete, structural steel and a combination of both.

Development of Industrial Parks The development of industrial parks and projects in already established industrial areas are works in which RACECA members specialize.

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FEATURE / INFRASTRUCTURE

Development of Commercial Complexes and Residential Estates RACECA members are extensively involved in real estate development for commercial and residential use.

Members work closely with Developers, Architects and Consulting Engineers to develop real estate throughout the region.

Construction and Rehabilitation of Gravel Roads RACECA membership consists of construction companies of varying sizes all of which undertake construction and rehabilitation of gravel roads. This work is however associated with the organizations smaller members many of which are located regionally and who work from their head quarters in various parts of the region.

Trunk Sewers, Oxidation Ponds and Treatment Works A considerable number of our members specialize in public health engineering works, which includes the construction of sewers, oxidation ponds and sewerage treatment plants mainly for the municipal authorities throughout the region and they specialize public

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health authorities.

Milling and Recycling of Asphalt Roads A considerable number of major roads in Eastern Africa have been constructed of with Asphalt Surfacing which although damaged by traffic, containing valuable quantities of Bitumen and aggregate suitable for construction of the surfacing of rehabilitated roads. A number of our members possess expensive milling and recycling equipment which is used to reclaim the old asphalt on a road, and additional bitumen and aggregate and relay a new pavement in a single operation. This methodology is extremely economical and very attractive to the road authorities in the appropriate circumstances.

Marine Works Several of our members are based along the coast of East Africa and specialize in marine works for Kenya Ports Authority and the Ports Authorities of the adjacent countries.

Intake Works, Water Supply Distribution and Associated Works The public health engineering departments of the RACECA members undertake the construction of water sup-

ply projects throughout Eastern Africa and specialize in both the construction of Chunk Mains, Treatment Works and Water Supply Distribution systems in both Urban and Rural locations.

Dam Construction The construction of Earth and Concrete dams is a major activity of a number of RACECA members who specialize in this type of work and the complexities of ensuring the competence of Water Retention structures.

Major Earthworks RACECA Members are fully equipped with extensive Earth moving Plants which enables them to provide the necessary expertise for the cutting of soft and hard materials and the placing and compaction of suitable materials in large embankments.

Major Bridges A number of RACECA members specialize in the construction of major bridges most of which are constructed of structural steel and span significant crossings such as the Tana and other large rivers in the region.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

FEATURE / ENERGY

Vivo Energy Kenya launches mobile quality laboratory

V

ivo Energy Kenya, the company that distributes and markets Shell branded fuels and lubricants, in May 2014 launched a mobile fuel testing laboratory a first of its kind by an Oil Marketing Company (OMC) in Kenya. This initiative will augment the stringent quality control processes that are already in place throughout the company’s distribution chain.

Every motorist’s nightmare is buying adulterated fuels, since it damages and shortens the lifespan of the vehicle’s engine. Now it will be possible to check fuel quality at any Shell fueling station in addition to the tests that are routinely done at the Vivo Energy Kenya’s laboratories in Mombasa and Nairobi.

The mobile lab, fitted into a vehicle, will be collecting samples randomly from Shell stations and commercial customer sites, and conducting basic quality tests on site, while also returning samples to the main laboratories at the depots for further analysis where issues are detected.

Speaking during the launch Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director, Polycarp Igathe said, “we value our customers and we go through all the processes to ensure that they receive quality products whenever they visit our service stations. We are alive to the fact that that some unscrupulous traders are dealing with adulterated fuels. This is why we have gone an extra mile to bring in the mobile Laboratory in to the market to ensure that we beef up our testing process.”

The mobile testing lab is equipped to produce key test results within 30 minutes. It has a temperature-controlled box to store samples, and also has a sealed/lockable cabinet that is mounted to the floor of the vehicle. The mounting includes special suspension mechanisms so that the vibrations of the moving vehicle do not negatively affect the samples.

The mobile testing lab will be working in collaboration with the trained quality marshals already present at every Shell Service station. Quality marshals receive product, compare loading parameters

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

against offloading parameters, regularly test the product to reconfirm quality, test and confirm the calibration of the pumps, and handle any quality related issues at the station.

Mr. Igathe added,” Safety is paramount in Vivo Energy Kenya operations and nothing is left to chance. We appreciate the efforts that the government and its various energy bodies are doing to curb fuel adulteration. To further boost these efforts we urge them to support us as we continually seal avenues that allow this vice.”

As a Shell licensee distributing Shell’s superior products, Vivo Energy Kenya must maintain the Shell brand standards. This means being totally dedicated to improving the company’s product offering and serving its customers in the best way possible.

The Mobile Laboratory was officially commissioned by a team comprising of, SGS Managing Director Mr. Albert Stokell, Kenya Bureau of Standards(KEBS) Manager Petroleum Mr. Paschal Vusa and the Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director Mr. Polycarp Igathe.

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FEATURE / COMMUNICATION

SEACOM partners with CDNetworks to improve African internet experience

S

EACOM continues to improve the African internet experience by announcing a new partnership with CDNetworks in June 2014. SEACOM has deployed CDNetworks content clusters and caching nodes on its Pan-African IP network footprint in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

The nodes will accelerate and optimize HTTP content, rich media, downloadable files, video, music, software updates and other Web content requested by operators and Internet Service Providers connected to SEACOM’s IP network.

African end-users will in turn enjoy lower latency, faster speeds and more reliable service when accessing popular web services and content from around the world.

“Many of our global customers, such as retail and gaming companies, are looking to reach the growing online population in Africa,” said Jeff Kim, COO US/EMEA, CDNetworks. “With CDNetworks caching technology deployed in SEACOM’s network, Africa ISPs can now deliver global website content much faster to end-users, providing a better online experience.” Jeff added.

Mark Tinka, SEACOM Head of Engineering says, “We continue to improve the performance and reliability of access to the Internet for all our customers, and our partnership with CDNetworks is another qualitative step in that direction.

Bringing content to Africa, and making it freely available to all our existing and growing customer base, means a richer and more rewarding internet experience for them. We shall continue this trend so our customers get the most out of their service with SEACOM.” “SEACOM’s IP network was named as

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ient and scalable data services across multiple submarine cable systems and diverse terrestrial networks to mobile and fixed-line network carriers, ISPs and other ICT service providers.

SEACOM’s Internet Protocol network is now the largest and most advanced on the continent and is designed using advanced fiber optics that can grow and scale as Africa continues to develop.

SEACOM prides itself in ensuring that its customers realise the intrinsic value of its network, by providing them with tailor-made communication solutions and world-class customer service. The company’s service offering includes dedicated private line transmission services, flexible Ethernet services as well as resilient global and regional IP transit services. SEACOM’s mission is clear; to bring affordable data connectivity and its associated benefits to all of Africa’s people. the Best Pan-Africa initiative at the 2013 AfricaCom Awards. We will continue to develop new partnerships and expand our network and IP Transit offerings to help our operator and service provider customers to differentiate themselves in today’s competitive and highly-evolving African marketplace” concludes Tinka.

About SEACOM SEACOM was established in 2007 by a group of African investors with the objective of bringing the global Internet to Africa. Two years later, SEACOM launched the first broadband submarine cable system along the East African coastline linking South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Mozambique with major Internet connection hubs in Europe and Asia.

Today, SEACOM has evolved from being a single cable operator into Africa’s foremost network service provider and ICT enabler. The company offers resil-

About CDNetworks CDNetworks enables Global Cloud Acceleration. Its mission is to transform the Internet into a secure, reliable, scalable and high performing Application Delivery Network. CDNetworks’ unique position as the only multinational CDN with expertise and infrastructure in China, Russia and other emerging markets, enables it to be trusted partners in local markets, while serving as foremost experts on extending into global markets.

Accelerating more than 40,000 global websites and cloud services over its 140 PoPs, CDNetworks serves its e-business customers across industries like finance, travel, ecommerce, learning management, high tech, manufacturing and media. CDNetworks has been serving its enterprise customers for more than 13 years, and has offices in the U.S., Korea, China, Japan, and the UK.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

PROFILE FEATURE//DAVIS INFRASTRUCTURE & SHIRTLIFF

DAVIS & SHIRTLIFF

Opens Branches in Naivasha and Machakos Towns Davis & Shirtliff recently opened branches in Naivasha town which is located along Moi Road and in Machakos town which is located along Mbolu - Malu Road.

Naivasha: From left D&S Naivasha Branch Manager Arthur Kioni with staff Sharon Nyang’au and Dominic Wachira.

Machakos: From left D&S Machakos Branch Manager Robert Mwanza with staff Eunice Mwende and Juma Waithaka.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

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FEATURE / KENYA

Crown Paints set up a Kshs 300 Million Factory in Kisumu County

Crown Paints showroom

L

eading Paint Manufacturer, Crown Paints Kenya Ltd in May commissioned a Shs. 300million paint manufacturing factory in Kisumu County. According to Crown Paints Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rakesh Rao the factory which is expected to be running by May next year is expected to create over 100 jobs for the locals. The Kisumu based factory will manufacture emulsion (water) based economy grade paints from raw material transported from Nairobi to be mixed, packaged and distributed to the customers western Kenya.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony in Kisian on Kisumu-Busia road, Mr. Rakesh said Kisumu is a regional hub whose infrastructure and proximity to the greater western Kenya and North Rif makes the project viable. The

24

CEO however observed that in the year 2013, the company’s business in the region grew by 30% per cent. Kisumu County Governor Jack Ranguma lauded the new investment observing that the county is among urban towns that have taken the lead in creating the highest employment opportunities in banking, insurance and construction industry. The governor noted that the lakeside city is witnessing a high number of infrastructure investments adding that areas which were previously dominated by shrub are now being developed.

Having established the Kenyan home market, Crown Paints focus has spread to take on East African region. This includes a factory in Uganda, branded Regal Paints and is currently the number two paint brand in Uganda. Two depots have also been opened in Tanzania, namely Arusha and Mwanza. Plans are

in place for further expansion to Ethiopia and Southern Sudan. To bring rapid technology improvements, Crown has sort and obtained international brand partnerships for product lines which provide solutions e.g Flooring, Flowcrete UK. Crown's heritage and quality has been the key to the company’s consistent performance and growth, supported by its loyal employees, partners and dealers. the company’s Mission is to Transform lifestyles by providing world class coating solutions whilst caring for the environment and community. Crown Paints in March announced having attained an 80 percent benchmark in the production and adoption of water-based paint in efforts to comply with new industry legislation and regulations that are highlighting shift to more environment-friendly production processes.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

PROFILE / SUNSET PARADISE

Sunset Paradise Apartments: Executive, Serene, Secure and Spacious

A

Sunset Paradise Apartments, North Coast luxurious oasis nested in an enclave where nature is the greatest amenity, an exclusive estate by design, Sunset Paradise Apartments is developed as a gated community with controlled security and management system. A development project of Sunset Paradise Apartments Ltd, the project is managed by Villapoint Company Ltd. The apartments offer a sanctuary of relaxation where you unwind by the pool as you look on the abundant green areas.

This live, work, play and shop in estate offers a “do not” disturb tranquility of a spectacular enclave of modern, contemporary homes of truly excellent architectural design. The design, construction and quality of finishing are details that make you want to own a sunset paradise apart-

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

ment. The 14 acre Sunset Paradise enclave gives the gated community apartments, unmatched security and cool serene environment. Construction of 80 units in phase one is complete and is 90% sold. According to Mr. Cornelius Songok, Director at Villapoint (Project Managers) the successful completion of phase one has helped the company sell a number of units in phase two which is currently under construction. “Phase one has helped us market phase two which is more improved. This has also enabled us achieve our sales target” Songok noted. The 14 acre project which is now financed by Bank of Africa will have 500 units when completed.

Apartments Location Sunset Paradise Apartments are located in Serena 500 M off the Mombasa Malindi road on the Tarmac road towards Serena Beach. Just past

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PROFILE / SUNSET PARADISE

Shimo la Tewa Secondary School. 24 hour Town -Mtwapa public transport available. Ideal for families as well as holiday apartments. With close proximity to Shanzu Teachers Training College, Shimo La Tewa Secondary School, Serena and other beach hotels. Direct access to the white sandy Serena Beach only 700 M away. Neighborhood to Mtwapa and Shanzu shopping centres, churches, mosques and primary schools.

Salient Features: • Lounge/dinning with spacious balcony • En-suite master bedroom • Other bedrooms sharing shower and toilet • Kitchen and yard • Servant Quarter Q(optional) with own entrance/shower and toilet • Internet and Tv connectivity • Borehole water backup/water storage/solar water heating • Swimming pool/Tennis court/Jogging track/Gym/Club House • Children’s play grounds • Nursery school • Business centre/shops/offices • Ample parking • 2 M surrounding ring of forest and Landscaped Lawns.

Registered Class A1 Contractors

Apartments Units 2 BR, 3 BR, 3 BR & Sq (standard and executive options).

Exquisite design, luxurious, 1st class workmanship, secure, exclusive with all inclusive amenities. Sunset Paradise apartments are designed for your ultimate comfort. Serene and secure, spacious.

FINISHES: Concrete paving Granite kitchen top UPVC windows MDF cupboards/wardrobes Ceramic/Porcelain floor tiles.

2 BEDROOM UNITS - 90 Sq M - Master en-suite plus 1 bedrooms sharing toilet and shower 3 BEDROOM UNITS - 120 Sq M - Master en-suite plus 2 bedrooms sharing toilet and shower 4 BEDROOM UNITS - 140 Sq M - master en-suite plus 2 bedrooms sharing toilet and Shower.

- 1 bedroom is self contained, suitable as servant quarter

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Electrical Contractors for Greenspan Phase IV & V City Park Estate - Parklands P.O.Box 49809 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel: +254 020 2694236 / 3744283 / 3750010 Fax: 3744283 Email: bhatti@wananchi.com

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

PROFILE / SUNSET PARADISE

Project Team DEVELOPER: Sunset Paradise Apartments Ltd. Project Manager Villa Point Ltd Architects Ngibuini Associates Ltd Civil & Structural Engineers Civil Base Consultants Ltd Mechanical & Electrical Engineers Prime Consult Engineers Ltd Quantity Surveyors Mwashinga & Associates Ltd Advocates Muriu Mungai & Co Advocates.

NOW BATH TIMES ARE NOTHING BUT GOOD TIMES. Imagine yourself in a world of pure bliss, and that place is just a doorknob away. At Tile & Carpet Centre, we have what it takes to turn your bathroom into a haven.

" We specialize in all aspects of landscape design from the environmental and social analyses, initial design, and visual impact assessments to budget and site inspections during and after construction".

We are proud to be associated with Sunset Paradise Apartments Serena - Mombasa Projects

Nairobi Branch: Parkside Towers, Mombasa Road T: 020 3939000 E: mail@tilecentre.com

Mombasa Branch: Lecol Building, Mbaraki Road T: 041 2317 444 E: mail@msa.tilecentre.com

P.O. Box 50779-00100, Nairobi Cell: 0715 459 590 / 0727 448 285 Email: silarchltd@gmail.com / info@silarchltd.com www.tilecentre.com

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

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FEATURE / KENYA

Rhino Cement Foundation Mentorship Day Marked in style

Students from various Universities during the presentation.

T

hey say education is power and the Rhino Cement Foundation knows this too well hence taking part in educating the society with their Rhino Cement Foundation University scholars Mentorship.

This year ARM Cement hosted the Rhino Cement Foundation University scholars Mentorship meeting which marked the first of this annual gathering which will see students under the scholarship get together and interact. This year twenty one students from various Universities around the country studying Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Process & Chemical Engineering, Finance, Medicine, IT and Environment were invited for the event.

The event was kicked off by a tour of the factory including The Central Control Room (CCR) which is the nerve center of the factory from where all the processes in the factory are monitored and controlled thus giving the students an opportunity to see the last stages of cement production.

The tour was followed by an informative session where the students got to sit and get introduced to ARM Cement, Value Systems, Staff management processes, the Company’s skills and talent development strategy and the Internship program. The Internship Program interested the students

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the most as it’s a requirement in the degree programme. Luckily, the students under the Rhino Cement Foundation scholarship program have a guaranteed chance for internship at any of ARM Cement’s plant locations and an even higher chance of securing employment immediately after completion of their studies, at the company.

In the afternoon, the attendees were treated to a lively presentation on Mindsets and Attitude, setting the pace for speakers on various subjects ranging from the working environment, to Quality Assurance and applying the Kaizen Principles in their lives which ended in a talk on the Rhino Cement Foundation work and pillars and the Mentorship Program.

“Most of the students we have mentored have pledged that that their first action on gaining employment, will be to sponsor the education of a child who has no access to basic education owing to their under privileged background. We are proud of this declaration and the intent to see this vision through, because it is in line with our objective, as the Rhino Cement Foundation. We exist to promote social investments in health, education and environment projects that have a lasting impact and increase the well being of our communities,” concluded Yvonne Wambui – Communications Manager ARM Cement.

The Rhino Cement Foundation mentorship program was started in 2011 with each student getting a mentor who was selected on volunteer basis and given several roles including following up on student performance through receiving and scrutinizing report forms, having sit downs with the students to discuss areas where performance is lower than expected, spending time away from school with the student to create rapport, taking time to shop with students for books, uniform etc, giving career and life advise to students and accompanying the student to hospital and follow up to ensure all is well in case of health issues.

About Rhino Cement Foundation The Rhino Cement Foundation was established in October 2010 as a charity funded by ARM CEMENT LTD (formerly Athi River Mining Ltd.), company employees and trading partners. The Foundation’s mission is to promote social investments in health, education and environment projects that have a lasting impact and increase the well being of our communities and lead to increase in the wealth creation in our country. The Foundation provides a formal process for ARM employees to identify and promote charitable projects in partnership with schools, community groups and other charitable organizations.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

FEATURE / KENYA

Savannah Cement lines up a Kshs 8.5Billion Clinker manufacturing plant investment Project following KEBS Diamond Mark of Quality Certification

Savannah Cement Officials Reciving Diamond Mark of Quality certificate from KEBS.

K

enya’s latest Cement Manufacturer, Savannah Cement, has swiftly moved to affirm its serious intent to continue playing in the regional cement market top league after attaining the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Diamond Mark of Quality certification for its range of products.

As part of its Quality assurance drive, Savannah Cement has already lined up a Kshs 8.5Billion (US$100Million) investment plan to establish Kenya’s first clinker manufacturing facility at the Savannah Cement production complex near Kitengela.

By establishing its own clinker production facility, Savannah Cement will be hoping to cut the existing reliance on imported clinker to deliver finished cement products. Speaking during a function hosted to celebrate the firm’s Diamond Mark of Quality certification and and officiated by KEBS Managing Director Charles Ongwae, Savannah Cement Chairman, Benson Ndeta, disclosed that the clinker manufacturing plant development is part of the firm’s bid to guarantee end-to-end quality standards. The firm, Ndeta confirmed, has already invested more than US$100million to develop one of the most advanced and eco friendly cement

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

manufacturing plants in sub Sahara Africa with a 1.5million tons annual production capacity.

“Beyond the current investment, plans are underway to develop a clinker production facility at the Savannah Cement production complex near Kitengela to further boost the firm’s investment to a value of more than US$200million in coming months,” Ndeta said. And added: “As you may be aware, the local cement industry tilts heavily on the grinding aspect of cement production and remains heavily reliant on clinker imports to deliver finished products.”The Diamond Mark of Quality certification, which follows a series of stringent prod-

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FEATURE / KENYA uct tests, compliance to the scheme of supervision and control assessments by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) now places Savannah Cement products amongst the top companies on the quality assurance table. The certification provides an independent guarantee that Savannah Cement Products are of superior quality and conform to the approved local and international standards. Touching on the quality certification, Savannah Cement Managing Director, Mr. Ronald Ndegwa said that the firm had adopted some of the most advanced quality assurance standards and product formulation benchmarks in the world for its products. The Savannah Cement boss explained that the firm’s manufactured cement types (Savannah 32.5 Rand Savannah 42.5R) are uniquely formulated to meet all building needs. “Our attainment of a KEBS Diamond Mark of Quality certification is a clear affirmation that our products are uniquely formulated to assure superior performance” he said. And added: “Such product performance excellence has been achieved and guaranteed through the adoption of a robust and stringent quality management system with real time monitoring of the products' quality at each production stage coupled with strict raw material pre-evaluation and verification.”

On his part, KEBS MD, Mr. Ongwae confirmed that the standards body had raised its market surveillance activities to guarantee consumer confidence on all fronts right from manufacturing up to the market outlets for the building and construction sector. “At KEBS, we are proud of the efforts made by Savannah Cement to ensure full compliance with our local and international standards which confirms their commitment to quality” Mr. Ongwae said. And added: “We are also putting on notice all traders selling substandard products or those displaying standards certification marks and have not yet received permits to use such marks officially from KEBS.” KEBS has upped its market surveillance of retail outlets to ensure consumers are protected in line with the consumer rights spelt out in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and Consumer Protection Act 2012.

Commissioned in July 2012, as Kenya’s sixth cement manufacturer, Savannah Cement is now the latest Kenyan cement producer to receive the Diamond Mark of Quality. The Diamond

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Mark of Quality, Ongwae, pointed out, is a higher level (as compared with Standardization Mark) voluntary product certification scheme operated by KEBS and awarded to manufacturers (based locally or abroad) who have demonstrated a high degree of excellence in product manufacturing quality controls and environmental sustainability. With its “R” Cement classification, Savannah Cement products provide rapid strength development, which ensures reduced construction costs through enhanced productivity and construction efficiency.

Savannah Cement products also provide enhanced strength at all ages assuring superior concrete performance as well as unmatched durability with great aesthetics.

Promoting sound management of chemicals at the workplace Meanwhile Savannah Cement has confirmed that the firm, has now adopted a string of international benchmarks to promote occupational chemical safety standards. Savannah Cement, which is Kenya’s latest cement manufacturing concern, has among other efforts taken the necessary steps to prevent and control potential risks for its workers, workplace, communities and the environment arising from poor chemical products management. Speaking during an event to mark the 2014 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, at the firm’s Kitengela manufacturing complex on 28th April 2014, Savannah Cement Managing Director, Mr. Ronald Ndegwa disclosed that-in line with this year’s theme: “Safety and health in the use of chemicals at work “-the firm’s eco-friendly factory had been designed to guarantee 99% chemical and related safety.

The new Savannah Cement plant featuring modern technologies, he said, is the only cement manufacturing plant in the country with advanced dust and related emissions control systems.“I am proud to confirm that while chemicals remain very important in our production process, the Savannah Cement plant was designed with pollution control in mind hence no dust gets out of the systems,” he said. And added: while chemicals remain very important in our production process, Savannah Cement has taken the necessary steps to prevent and control potential risks for our workers, workplace, communities and the environment.”

On the global scene, the International Labour Oganisation (ILO) is leading a campaign seeking to mobilise the support of national governments, employers, workers and their organizations to collaborate in the development and implementation of national policies and strategies aimed at the sound management of chemicals at work. In its recently released Report on safety and health in the use of chemicals at work, ILO notes that strategies to promote sound management of chemicals at the workplace must comprehensively and simultaneously address the health, safety, and environmental aspects related to the production and use of chemicals.

“The idea is to maintain the benefits achieved through the production and use of chemicals while minimizing workers’ exposure as well as the emission of chemicals into the environment through national and international action,” the report advises. Adding that: “Significant progress has been made concerning the regulation and management of chemicals in the field of occupational safety and health but more needs to be done.”

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

PROFILE / ZETECH COLLEGE

THE JAPANESE NO.1

Hilda Kajuju, Sales Executive-HINO Division (Toyota Kenya Ltd) - Tel: 0727 158844 Nairobi, Uhuru Highway/Lusaka Rd - Tel: 02 6967000/651444 Mombasa Toyota, Moi Ave - Tel: 0412223071 Eldoret Toyota, Sirikwa St - Tel: 020 6967674/5 Truck World, Nakuru - Tel: +254 (51) 2216045, 2216049, next to Bhoghals Millenium Dealers Ltd (Nanyuki Office Tel: +254 722 817098, +254 737 917098), Nairobi Office (Tel: +254 (0)717 565079, 0733 565079)

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

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FEATURE / KENYA

Bamburi Cement signs Ksh4.8Bn partnership

with Mombasa County on Solid Waste Management

A

s the World Celebrates World Environment Day 2014, Bamburi Cement Limited, a member of the Lafarge Group, and the Mombasa County Government in May entered into a Ksh4.8 billion partnership to develop a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solid waste management system for Mombasa County. The deal will see Bamburi, Lafarge and development partners invest Ksh2.8 billion in financing a feasibility study and providing expertise and equipment to help boost the county government’s waste management capacity. Ksh2 billion will be in kind, equivalent to the value of the land the company will provide for handling solid waste. Most of the waste will be used to generate alternative fuel for the manufacture of cement. Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed today

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by Mombasa Governor Honorable Hassan Joho and Bamburi Cement Limited Managing Director, Hussein Mansi, the cement firm and the county government will undertake a joint feasibility study seeking solutions to the perennial problem of waste management facing the County. “One of the County’s major goals is achievement of sustainable development without degrading the natural environment which the population depends on. Proper disposal of solid waste impacts the health and safety of people, negative visual effect and environmental sustainability.

This project’s main objective is to address the challenges of solid waste by developing an integrated solid waste management system,” said Mr. Mansi at the signing ceremony. “A solid waste management plan integrating the complementarily between landfill and cement kiln recovery will favor the attainment of envi-

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

FEATURE / KENYA ronmental and social goals and is in line with mission of Lafarge of Building Better Cities. This project, which will become the first of its kind in Sub Saharan Africa, demonstrates our commitment to this vision and we are honored to be partnering with the County Government of Mombasa on management of solid waste recovery and disposal,�noted Mr. Mansi He added that Bamburi was keen on utilizing alternativefuels derivedfrom solid waste to reduce use of fossil fuels, preserve natural resources and reduce carbon dioxide emissions to improve climate change.

On his part the Governor, Hassan Joho, hailed the partnership with Bamburi saying it would be a sustainable solutionto waste management “Planning for solid waste management is the weakest link in the solid management strategy for Mombasa. The partnership with Bamburi will contribute significantly to achieving this goal,� remarked Joho.

He added that the county government was committed to improving the quality of life of Mombasa residents by improv-

ing the environment in which they live and that the signing of the partnership with Bamburi Cement is a great milestone for the county.

There has not been any major study on solid waste management in Mombasa in the last five decades other than the feasibility study undertaken by French Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) which detailed collection, transport and land filling. Bamburi will use this platform to enhance the feasibility study to include recovery of garbage waste to fuel element. Most of the garbage collected in Mombasa is dumped at the Kibarani and Mwakirunge dumpsite swhich has been in use for over fifty years.

Bamburi Cement brings a wealth of expertise to the partnership which is drawn from the wider Lafarge network that has spent years in development of waste management systems. The MOU signing ceremony was witnessed by the French Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Remi Marechaux, Senior County officials and the Business Community. Mr Marechaux

said his government will consider financial support for the integrated waste management project being undertaken in partnership between Bamburi Lafarge and the County Government.

Proper disposal of solid waste impacts the health and safety of people, negative visual effect and environmental sustainability.

SIVAD CONSTRUCTION LTD Building & Civil Engineering Works

SIVAD CONSTRUCTION LTD is an indigenous company incorporated in 2001 to undertake Building & Civil Engineering projects Our Core areas of specialization are: ‡ 5RDGZRUNV ‡ &RQVWUXFWLRQ RI %XLOGLQJV ‡ ([FDYDWLRQ RI 'DPV :DWHU 3DQV ‡ ,QVWDOODWLRQ RI :DWHU 6HZHUDJH 6\VWHPV ‡ 2WKHU UHODWHG &LYLO :RUNV Projects undertaken for KURA ,PSURYHPHQW RI $FFHVV 5RDG WR .LERNR %DQGD &RPSOHWHG

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Building Quality, Safe & Reliable Infrastructure VW )ORRU 3DQHVDUœV &HQWUH 0RPEDVD 5RDG 3 2 %R[ 1DLUREL .HQ\D 7HO )D[ (PDLO LQIR#VLYDGFRQVWUXFWLRQ FR NH ‡ :HEVLWH ZZZ VLYDGFRQVWUXFWLRQ FR NH East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

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ENERGY / KENYA

New generation project to lower power costs

K

enya’s Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary, Mr Davies Chirchir has reasserted the government’s commitment to make Kenya an attractive and competitive investment destination in Africa. The CS said that on his priority list is the initiative to lower cost of electricity for the economy to about 7 US cents per kilowatt hour, which he confirmed was on course with the on-going 5000+ MW new generation capacity project.

Mr Chirchir was talking to the top 100 industrial executives in Nairobi in May at a breakfast meeting called by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and attended by Principal Secretary in the Ministry, Eng Joseph Njoroge, Kenya Power and KenGen Managing Directors Dr Ben Chumo and Mr Albert Mugo respectively. KAM CEO, Betty Maina also attended the meeting. “We want to progressively lower cost of electricity by 37 per

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cent for industrial customers from the current level in order to make existing manufacturers competitive on the local and international markets, and secondly to attract new investors with price as the incentive,” declared Mr Chirchir. Domestic customers will enjoy a 47 per cent reduction to about 10.43 US cents per kilowatt hour.

He told the executives that the new investment in generation capacity is focused on the cheaper geothermal resource, adding that the country has an estimated reserve of 10,000MW. Already, 280MW is at an advanced stage of development in Olkaria with two machines with a total capacity of 140MW becoming available in June this year. The other two machines with equivalent capacity will commence operations in August and September 2014 respectively.

Currently, he noted, power generated from hydro capacity was being used as the base (main) load forming about 55 percent of total power generated. However, he noted

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

ENERGY / KENYA

this form of power is severely affected by vagaries of weather, adding that it was the intention of government to make geothermal the base load as it is not affected by weather patterns hence guaranteeing continuous power supply to the economy. Power generation from the more expensive thermal sources has been enhanced recently, he noted, due to failure of the long rains.

With assured increase in more cost effective generation capacity and improved transmission and distribution network, Mr Chirchir urged industrialists to initiate expansion plans in order to take up the additional power in the next 32 months. He also encourage external investors to bring their enterprises to Kenya saying this will create more wealth for the country while at the same time creating employment opportunities for Kenya’s young population.

Kenya Power’s Dr Ben Chumo said the Company was currently focusing its investment in the complete overhaul of power distribution network dedicated to its 5000 industrial customers.

“We are currently engaged in major rehabilitation and refurbishment works that entails construction of new substations and power lines in all regions of the country,” he said, adding “we are

determined to ensure that industries remain on power all the time as we will avail to them alternative supply lines,” he assured.

The new investment in the distribution network by the Company, he added, will assure quality and reliable power particularly to industrial and essential service customers. Kenya Power and KAM are currently holding a series of consultative meetings with industrialists across the country to encourage them to expand production in view of envisaged increase in generation capacity.

Mombasa North power infrastructure upgraded Meanwhile, electricity supply infrastructure in Nyali, Kisauni, Kongowea, Bamburi, Mtopanga and surrounding areas in Mombasa North got a shot in the arm on 4th June when hundreds of Kenya Power workers descended on the network to upgrade power lines, transformers and substations to reduce the occurrence of blackouts and also improve quality of supply.

Over 500 technical staff drawn from various parts of the company supported by 134 vehicles are participating in the day long exercise dubbed 'Operation Imarisha Umeme Pwani' that will entail comprehensive maintenance of power

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

equipment, introduction of 377 concrete poles on power lines among others that will cost the Company Shs.125 million.

Kenya Power Managing Director, Dr Ben Chumo, is spearheading a campaign to enhance power supply to Mombasa and the Coast region to support the economic mainstay of tourism and the budding manufacturing sector, as well as the thriving commercial and entertainment activities.

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FEATURE / HOUSING

VILLAPOINT COMPANY LTD: Turning ideas into fruition

V

illaPoint Company Limited is a 100% Kenyan owned real estate professional firm whose specialties range from development consultancy to selling and letting of real property. The company offers a full range of property management services tailored to you as an investor, homeowner, or landlord.

Established in 2011, VillaPoint is steered by young, dynamic and empowered management team who has become integral players in the property industry. The team is committed to an uncompromising standard of professionalism, quality and integrity and strives to be an example of youth empowerment and an icon in the industry. The team indeed boasts of the synergy gains from the diversified professional backgrounds, a crucial ingredient in the company’s turn-key service. The company’s systematic approach to service delivery emphasizes on Quality and Customer satisfaction as the fundamental factors.

Since its inception, VillaPoint has

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established a credible track record on project delivery, sales and letting of property- both commercial and residential. The company’s highly skilled and experienced personnel from diversified professional backgrounds combine to ensure successful adoption of quality investment models within pre-determined budgets and timeframes. “Since our inception, we’ve been steadily growing.

We currently have 30 projects spread across the country” Says Mr. Cornelius Songok, Director, Villapoint Company Ltd during a press interview with East African Infrastructure and Engineering Review. One of the on-going Villapoint project is Sunset Paradise Apartments which is located in Serena off the Mombasa Malindi road.

As a company whose business is to provide real estate development consultancy as well as sales and letting to its esteemed customers, Villapoint work to understand and anticipate its customers’ needs and believe that quality work and service create loyal clients. The company provides a high level of service to all its customers and delivers projects on time, on budget and with high degree of

workmanship and professionalism.

Mr. Songok said that the growth of the middle class and rapid urbanization presented a real business opportunity for real estate developers in provision of housing to meet the growing housing demand in the region. Towards this end, the director observed that Villapoint will continue establishing partnerships, collaborations and joint ventures with persons with huge tracts of land and develop substantial number of housing units to meet the housing demand.

At Villapoint, the management understands the importance of proper site supervision in order to keep projects within stipulated time and budgetary schedules and to ensure the highest standards of

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

FEATURE / HOUSING workmanship by adherence to contract specifications. The company tailors its services to assist clients in meeting their specific investment goals. The company ensures that each customer is fully informed on all the investment process and requirements. “We first understand our clients. We seat with them, understand their needs and guide them accordingly”. Mr. Songok said.

He further added that the company works with competent contractors in all its projects to deliver quality structures.

‘All the professionals that we work with are qualified by the relevant authorities’ he observed adding that this combined with the company’s vastly experienced and qualified team help to achieve the best results for the company and its clients in the region.

He thanked the government for establishing the National Construction Authority which now handles contractor’s registration and keeping their data base. According to Mr. Songok, the authority has helped reduce malpractices in the construction industry ass all contractors must be registered with the Authority meaning that shady contractors and quacks are now locked out of the industry.

VILLAPOINT SERVICES Project Management.

Villapoint offers a comprehensive project management service that covers spectrum of processes encompassing project initiation, project feasibility study, project planning project execution cost control and commissioning.

Project Financing.

The company offers consultancy advice on construction funding ranging from housing to commercial development projects. The firm is actively involved in spearheading the process of structuring the various funding options with a key emphasis on project viability. The company seeks to understand the project needs as well as its clients’ requirements. The company then focuses in unlocking viable concept into profitable products through a combination of funding options.

Programme Management Villapoint seek to deliver a holistic programme management service aimed at creating capacity to roll out large scale building projects simultaneously on behalf of client bodies. The company’s management approach enables client’s bodies with restricted capacity

to achieve an integrated programme of delivery in a highly structured fashion, timorously and on budget. Villa Point programme management plan broadly consists of definition of client’s strategic plan, development of programme structure, definition of projects and subprojects and project implementation.

Construction Management Villapoint offers a construction management service geared at breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable packages that offer greater opportunities to small and medium buildings. The company also aims at assisting small builders lacking management expertise to deliver contracts from start to finish as well as offering clients greater cost savings and closer control over construction processes.

Project Scheduling.

The most challenging part of construction management can be project scheduling. In this regard, Villapoint is actively involved in developing detailed schedules, schedule narratives, actual projects report and updates in order for the projects to be completed in time.

Administration of Labour Contracts In cases where the client/developer opts to undertake the construction activities directly without engaging the services of a contractor, VillaPoint comes in to offer services which may otherwise seem very complex and cumbersome especially to first time developers, be it on large scale or even own residential houses.

Property Management Villapoint has proved to be very successful at building long term relationships with both property developers and residents. The company understands the

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

importance of proving an efficient and reliable service to its developers and tenants. Villapoint is able to look after all aspects of management efficiently, and ensure proper maintenance of provided facilities within the property and as well ensure that all residents’ issues are run in the most professional manner. The company offer property management services which include: a. Lease preparation and negotiations b. Invoice and collection of due rents and service charge c. Service charge administration d. Assessment and documentation of required repair and supervision of maintenance work. e. Preparation of monthly statements of income to be sent to the landlord f. Acting as public relations officers and administrators. g. Assessing suitability of various cleaning firms and security firms and providing guidance/recommendations on engagement. h. Preparation of budgets and periodic property reports as required in the agreement with the land lord. i. Carrying out of insurance valuations j. Reading of water meters.

The company further offers value addition on existing buildings (both residential and commercial) with the overall objective of increasing the net returns. The company’s aim is to continue its growth in the real estate sector as well as contribute directly towards the transformation of East African and the attainment of the African renaissance.

Without doubt, Villa point is simply a real estate point where all your property needs is available.

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FEATURE / HOUSING

Housing Finance posts 13% growth in First Quarter

The Group is also seeking Property opportunities in the Oil, Gas and Mining sector.

Housing Finance Managing Director, Mr Frank Ireri

K

enya’s leading property services provider, Housing Finance, posted a Group profit of kshs 315.97 million before tax in the first quarter of 2014, representing a 13 percent growth. The Group’s profit after tax increased to kshs 221.18 up from kshs 195.63 million registered during a similar period in 2013.

Despite a difficult trading environment characterized by high cost of funds, loans and advances to customers increased by Kshs 5.55 billion to Kshs 37.24 billion up from Kshs 31.69 billion. Despite a drop in interest rates from 18 percent to 16 percent during the period under review, HF maintained a steady growth in its interest income due to increased loan disbursements.

Total interest income increased to kshs 1.43 billion up from kshs 1.35 billion as a result of growing the loan book.

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The Group’s ongoing focus on income diversification boosted total non-interest income which recorded a 175 percent jump to Kshs 217.86 million up from kshs 79.06 million posted in 2013. The Group generated Kshs 13.68 million income from foreign exchange trading.

HF ventured into FOREX in June 2013.

Borrowed funds increased by Kshs 3.2 billion to Kshs 15.47 billion in the first quarter up from kshs 12.23 billion in 2013.

HF in March 2014 received a Kshs 1 billion loan from the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, Norfund. The Group has also received funding from European Investment Bank ( EIB), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Ghana International Bank PLC (GHIB).

Well Positioned Commenting on the results, Managing Director, Mr Frank Ireri said the Group

continues to be well positioned with its retail strategy expected to yield growth in the coming quarters. “Housing Finance main focus now is to grow new deposits in current and savings account which willreduce our cost of funds and also improve our bottom line,” said Mr. Ireri. The bank is leveraging on the recently launched construction solution, known as Makao faster to drive retail deposits. Makao is a seamless end-toend building solution involving consortia of building professionals and Housing Finance.

Mr. Ireri said the firm intends to diversify its loan book to reduce reliance on mortgage business and also open at least 5 branches in the current financial year to grow its retail business. The Group’s Non-performing loan portfolio increased to kshs 3.58 billion up from kshs 2.68 billion in 2013. The bank’s loss provision increased to kshs 835.90 million up from kshs 335.48 million in

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

FEATURE / HOUSING 2013. Despite an increase in the non-performing loan book, Mr. Ireri said the firm does not expect a loss as the loans are fully secured.

Mr. Ireri expects the mortgage business to record robust growth once the issue between the Land Ministry and NLC is resolved. Sales and registration of properties has in the last few months slowed down due to the unclear jurisdiction between the Ministry of Lands and the National Land Commission (NLC). The Group plans to enter into Joint Ventures with County Development Corporations; deliver Property and land rates solutions and provide financing of utilities such as water. The Group is also seeking Property opportunities in the Oil, Gas and Mining sector. Housing Finance is Master planning its 40 acres in Komorock and plans to deliver

alternate building technology through market research as part of growing its real estate investment & development.

HF MD receives 2014 Citi Distinguished Alumni Awards Housing Finance Managing Director, Mr. Frank Ireri has received the Global 2014 Citi Distinguished Alumni Award for Leadership & Ingenuity. Mr. Ireri was declared the Leadership & Ingenuity 2013 Kenya winner, following the local awards event that was held on November 20th 2013 at the Sankara Hotel, Nairobi.

The Leadership & Ingenuity award was presented to Frank for distinguishing himself as a leader and for the commitment and effort he has put in his role of leading Housing Finance to new and higher levels of success.

Now known as OTIENO ODONGO & PARTNERS CONSULTING ENGINEERS (Incorporated in 1978)

671 Ngong Rd, Piedmont Hse. P.O.Box 54021-00200 Nairobi - Kenya Tel: +254 23 870 022/32/134/337 Fax: +254 20 2508095 Cell: +254 727 441 611 Drop Zone: No. 26 Email: info@coopaconsult.com

Services and Specialized Areas of Work

Typical Recent Projects and Landmark Projects

• Roads, Bridges Design & Supervision

• Kisumu Municipality Water Supply and Sewage Master plan

• Geothermal Services • Feasibility Studies and Detailed Designs • Irrigation • Dams - Design & Supervision • Building & Structures - Design & Supervision • Water Supply and Sanitation Studies - Design, Supervision & Management • Airports - Planning, Design, Layout and Facilities

studies for JICA in Kisumu.

• Preliminary and Detailed Design of Kisumu - Kakamega - Webuye - Kitale Road (A1) • Design Review of New Mpulungu - Mbala - Nakonde - Kanyala Road - Zambia • Construction and Supervision of Chemususu Dam - Eldama Ravine • Construction and Supervision of TSC Towers (HQ) Upperhill Nairobi • Detailed Design and Supervision of Migori Water Supply and Sanitation • Design and Supervision of Oluch & Kimira Minor Irrigation Works

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

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FEATURE / HOUSING

Shelter Afrique signs an MOU with CITICC and ifc to fund affordable housing projects in the Sub-Saharan African region

S

helter Afrique the Pan-African finance institution exclusively supporting the development of the housing and real estate sector in Africa signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with CITIC Construction, one of the biggest multinational construction and engineering companies and IFC, the International Finance Company. The new partners envision funding large scale affordable housing projects in the sub-Saharan African region.

The agreement which is expected to boost Shelter Afrique quest in providing housing for all, was signed by the Managing Director of Shelter Afrique, Mr. Alassane Ba; Vice President of CITICC, Mr. Mingguang Xu and the Head of IFC in the East Africa Region, Mr. Manuel Moses.

The MOU’s objective is to create an efficient platform for the delivery of large-scale affordable housing projects across Sub Saharan Africa with the initial focus in markets like Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria and Ghana where SHAF has an existing project pipeline.

Each company is expected to play a role in this partnership; CITICC will undertake to leverage resources to conduct feasibility studies, cost analysis and overall project planning as well as mobilize the necessary financing through its banking relationships. It also looks to act as the Engineering Procurement Construction contractor for each project, subject to consent of all parties.

IFC on its part will engage to provide or mobilize construction or mortgage financing on its own or through liaising with other financial institution and

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Shelter Afrique is expected to leverage its existing resources to source qualified projects and identify the local partners.

It will be recalled that Shelter Afrique had signed an MOU earlier in the year with Zamfara State. This brings the number of such agreements to two; showing Shelter Afrique’s strong commitment to building lasting partnerships.

The Managing Director, Mr. Alassane Ba expressed his pleasure and delight at the beginning of a strong partnership with CITIC and his hope that the agreement will add value to Shelter Afrique in achieving its objectives.

He also added that Shelter Afrique has a vision which it is close to realising and without strong partnerships like the one with CITICC Shelter Afrique will not be able to achieve its vision.

For his part, Mr. Xu Mingguang congratulated Shelter Afrique and expressed his pleasure and honour at signing the MOU and declared that it was an honour he was sharing with all members of the CITIC family; he also commended

Shelter Afrique for doing an excellent job in the field of social housing.

PARTNERSHIP WITH HOUSING SACCOS In its commitment to provide affordable housing to all Kenyans, Shelter Afrique have partnered with some housing Saccos to finance of decent and affordable houses for Sacco members.

Speaking to agroup of housing Saccos at a Nairobi Hotel, Mr. Femi Adewole Director of Business Development and Operations said disclosed that Shelter Afrique is keen on working with the savings and credit cooperative to solve the housing challenges faced by their members. The director observed that many cooperatives have purchased and allocated plots for their members but are unable to meet the cost of developing the plot. Shelter Afrique is the only pan-African finance institution that exclusively supports the development of the housing and real estate sector in Africa.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

ENERGY / KENYA

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

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FEATURE / ENERGY

Williamson Tea Leading the Way with Solar Power as Solarcentury completes East Africa’s largest solar project

W

illiamson Tea Kenya, a publicly listed Kenyan company with many years of experience in the growing and manufacture of tea is leading the way in the tea industry by unveiling East Africa’s largest solar project at its Changoi Tea Farm in Bomet County to provide renewable energy for the factory.

The solar system will cut the company’s energy costs by around 30%, supplying clean solar electricity during the daytime to meet

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most of the tea processing factory’s energy demand. Williamson Tea’s system will reduce the need for grid electricity and the consumption of diesel when back-up energy production is required. This innovative use of solar engineering is only the sixth system of its kind to be built in the world.

Williamson Tea has over 140 years’ experience in the art of growing, selecting and blending fine teas. When the national grid is working, Williamson Tea’s solar farm will work in parallel with the grid and reduce the amount of grid electricity imported. When the grid is down, the solar power system will work

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

FEATURE / ENERGY

together with the standby diesel generators, significantly reducing the amount of diesel consumed.

Commenting on Williamson Tea’s solar farm, Dr Dan Davies, Director for Solarcentury locally in East Africa said, “We applaud Williamson Tea for investing in solar to support the company’s sustainable business growth. In a country blessed with plentiful irradiance and land space, solar is a perfect solution and reduces dependence on fossil fuels while improving energy security.”

Leading solar energy company Solarcentury was selected as the lead designer, supplier and installer of the unique PV system, and is also responsible for the operation and maintenance.

A British company and expanding internationally, Solarcentury is committed to bringing the many benefits of solar to Kenya. Solarcentury’s 15 years’ experience and engineering excellence is being invested in Kenya through its Nairobi office, headed up by Dr Dan Davies, one of Solarcentury’s founders.

Frans van den Heuvel, Solarcentury CEO, said, “Williamson Tea’s solar farm in Changoi is a shining example of the opportunity for solar in Africa, and indeed the emerging markets, to help meet the increasing energy demands of growing economies. Sustainable energy sources are becoming more critical es-

pecially as the cost of fossil fuel energy continues to rise globally. Solarcentury is now focusing on delivering solar internationally and is pleased to be working with forward thinking companies like Williamson Tea. By choosing solar, Williamson Tea is not only investing in the company’s sustainable future but also local people and the future of the tea farming industry in Kenya.”

Local solar companies East African Solar and Azimuth Power were the developers for Williamson Tea’s solar farm.

Brief About Solarcentury Solarcentury is one of the most respected solar companies in the world.

Founded in 1998, the company have been around since the early days of the solar industry and have been part of the evolution that has made PV the attractive investment it is today. Solarcentury has put solar on a greater variety of sites

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014

than any other company in the industry, and have also won multiple awards for product innovation. The company works directly with its clients to design and install commercial, industrial and utility scale solar. It also supplies its products and services to installers and distributors. All of Solarcentury customers benefit from its experience in terms of engineering quality, superior yields and sheer breadth of deployment.

Solarcentury business is global and growing, with offices in the UK, Italy, The Netherlands, South Africa and Kenya as well as a growing presence in Latin America.

East African Solar East African Solar is a Kenyan owned company focused on private development and installation of utility scale Solar Power systems in East Africa.

The company’s Vision is to be at the front of landowners, businesses and investors’ minds when they consider solar power in East Africa. EAS is committed to proving electricity from the sun through realistic and cost-effective solar PV solutions for businesses.

East Africa Solar is set to have developed 2MW of Solar PV by the end of 2014 marking it as the leading Solar PV developer and Installer in East African region.

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FEATURE / ENERGY

Hydro power plants to increase access to sustainable energy for all in Rwanda

Rukarara II micro hydroelectric power plant, located on Rukarara River in Nyamagabe District in Rwanda

T

he Rukarara II micro hydroelectric power plant is located on Rukarara River in Nyamagabe District in Rwanda. Its construction started in 2011 and completed in March 2014. The plant has added an installed capacity of 2.2 Mega Watt (MW) to the national grid. Rukarara II constructed by a German consortium of KOCHENDORFER and F.EE hydropower GmbH is the first fully automated and remote controlled power plant in Rwanda.

The final reception plant shall be at the expiration of the 2 years guarantee in June 2016. In addition to electricity, the plant construction activities created jobs to several households from the surrounding villages. The project access roads also serve surrounding communities in their daily activities and have facilitated evacuation of agricultural produce to nearby markets. This project, whose supervision was conducted by, SHER ingenieurs-conseils, a Belgian firm will change the lives of Rwandans after being connected to the national grid. The construction and engineering

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activities are completed and the official inauguration of the project is to be done soonest.

NYABARONGO I MHPP Nyabarongo I MHPP is located in Muhanga District on Nyabarongo River.

The construction of the plant started in May 2009 and is expected to add 28 MW to the national grid by early before the end of 2014.

The plant is constructed by an Indian consortium of Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Angelique International Limited and supervised by RSWI, a Canadian firm. This Project with two units of 14 MW each remains the biggest domestic hydro power generation plant to date.

There were delays due to unforeseen geological conditions of the site which lead to designs modification and 14 months extension of the construction contract.

With all both units now fully assembled and civil and electro-mechanical works nearing completion and the27km, 110 KV Transmission Line completed, the plant is planned to generate power into the national grid by July 2014.

This project is funded by a loan USD $

80Million secured from the Exim Bank of India and USD $ 17.7million (GoR part).

Once completed, this plant will greatly contribute towards easing Rwanda’s current power deficit. It is also in line with the Government’s objective to increase its generation capacity from current 113 MW to 563 MW by 2017.

Hydro Power in Rwanda Rwanda’s major Rivers have proven 333 potential sites for Micro-hydropower countrywide. Opportunities exist in Micro and Small Hydropower projects and shared regional hydropower projects with East Africa (EAC) Partners.

A couple of micro, mini and small Hydropower Projects are currently under construction. The largest domestic hydropower project under construction is Nyabarongo I, with an installed capacity of 28 MW. Some shared hydropower projects with neighboring countries are also underway, including 145MW project shared by Burundi, DRC and Rwanda and a 90 MW project to be jointly developed by Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda.

East Africa Infrastructure & Engineering Review | May / June 2014