Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, has indicated that the government is getting the coal mining project at the Mui Basin in Kithui County back on track, that project which had been completely stalled for a long time.
Wandayi Speaking during a Kitui tour ahead of this year’s Energy Week, which will be held from October 13 to 17, said it was “well overdue” to restart the mining process, adding that they are going through the necessary permits to pave the way for the commercial mining of coal in the region.
The CS guaranteed the locals that the project would greatly draw out the energy potential of the county and at the same time, it would make people get employed and lead to the rise of new ways of economic activities.
“Mui coal basin is a potential source of energy for different energy mixtures in our country. This government treats with great importance the matter of making the potential of the basin realized in the safest way and in the economic sense as well,” he said.
Wandayi also referred to the importance of Kitui hosting the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, which this year will be marked under the theme of energy. He further said that the coming of the national stage to the county would speed up the implementation of the energy projects that are most needed.
Some projects on which activities are being carried out include the expansion of electricity connectivity, the implementation of clean cooking gas programs targeting local colleges, and investments in renewable energy solutions to reduce reliance on traditional fuels.
Wandayi said that could not be only a moment of resounding the heroes’ names but also securing the energy future of Kitui and the entire nation.
Ever since, the Mui Basin coal project has been experiencing several setbacks such as licensing disputes, environmental concerns, and community opposition. It is expected that the government’s new commitment will help in unlocking the project’s potential and in turn, make Kenya more energy secure.
