Office location: Polo Centre / Menengai
How long have you worked at GDC? 10 years; 5 years as a Drilling Engineer, 5 years as a Direct Use Engineer
What do you do at GDC? I provide engineering support to the Direct Use Department in its quest to support GDC’s mandate in promoting Direct Use technology. I also design and implement Direct Use projects.
What does your typical work day in GDC look like?
I monitor the GDC Direct Use demonstration project at Menengai Geothermal Project to ensure it is functioning well; I focus a lot on the demo Project’s heating infrastructure. I also carryout continuous research on Direct Use technology and commensurate energy requirements.
How does your role tie to the GDC vision of providing green energy for Kenya?
Apart from its application in electricity generation, other Direct Uses of geothermal energy include growing plants in greenhouses, drying crops, heating water in fishponds/farms and in heating buildings. Geothermal energy can also be used in industrial processes, such as pasteurizing milk. My role therefore is complementing GDC’s mandate by championing utilization of geothermal energy.
What do you like most about your job? The unique opportunity to conduct research on geothermal energy, implement the findings and GDC’s support in carrying out my duties.
9. One word to summarize your experience at GDC. Gratifying
10. What is the future of Geothermal energy? Kenya Vision 2030, the long-term development blueprint for the country which aims to transform Kenya into a newly-industrializing, middle income country will be enabled by energy. The need to focus on conserving the environment and mitigation of climate change makes renewable sources of energy the best option. Geothermal, one of the renewable sources of energy, is reliable, has negligible emissions, and is also sustainable. Hence, geothermal energy has a key role to play in the attainment of Vision 2030.
