GDC Managing Director & CEO, Eng. Jared O. Othieno, on Tuesday 8th September, paid a courtesy to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director-General, Mamo B. Mamo, at the NEMA offices in Nairobi County.
The two entities have been working closely in as far as environmental matters are concerned. As a project-based organization, GDC is committed to meeting all the environmental requirements as per the Kenyan law. NEMA has in the past, issued GDC with Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Licenses upon meeting requirements.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) seeks to minimize adverse impacts on the environment and reduce environmental risks. The EIA also ensures environmental safety management at all stages of a project. From planning, design, construction, operation, monitoring, evaluation, to decommissioning.
According to the Law, Government agencies should take environmental sustainability into account as they undertake their mandates. They are also obligated to integrate environmental considerations in their operations to fulfill the requirement of a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all. As per Article 42 of the Constitution and Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) Cap 387, this requires the adoption and maintenance of practices that contribute to the quality of the environment on a long-term basis.
GDC Managing Director & CEO, Eng. Jared thanked NEMA for their continued support while NEMA Director-General, Mr. Mamo B. Mamo, assured GDC of the Environmental Authority’s full support to ensure that the geothermal projects are a success. He expressed gratitude to GDC for collaborating with the Authority in various activities.
Ms. Beatrice Kosgei (General Manager Legal Affairs and Company Secretary) Mr. Cornel Ofwona (General Manager Geothermal Resource Development), and Ms. Wanjiru Kang’ara (Manager Corporate Communications and Marketing) accompanied the Managing Director.
The courtesy call by the GDC MD & CEO to the National Environment Management Authority Director-General is a positive step towards strengthening collaboration between the geothermal development sector and environmental regulatory bodies. Such interactions are crucial for aligning development projects with environmental regulations and sustainability goals. This meeting underscores the importance of open communication and partnership in ensuring that geothermal projects are carried out responsibly, with minimal environmental impact and maximum benefit to the community and the country’s energy sustainability efforts.