Geothermal Development Company (GDC) held its second Research and Innovation (R & I) Day themed ‘Solving Geothermal Development Challenges – Imagine. Prove. Invent.’ on June 2, 2022. The forum which poses the question ‘what’s the big idea?’ provides an avenue for GDC staff to present papers, deliberate issues and trends, as well as put forth recommendations geared at improving efficiency and productivity in GDC’s geothermal development mandate.
The forum provides a platform for presenters to sell their best innovative ideas that will help the Company increase its efficiency while also presenting opportunities for saving costs. Ten research and innovation papers were presented covering geothermal-related topics including Direct Use, Geoscientific data interpretation, project costing, and drilling among others.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, GDC MD & CEO Eng. Jared O. Othieno reiterated the place of research and innovation as a critical pillar of GDC’s activities. “This Symposium is a celebration and recognition of research, innovators and innovations, and the role they play in the growth and development of the company,” remarked Eng. Othieno. “Providing avenues to showcase research work in the geothermal development industry are some of the steps and forums that GDC Management is emphasizing for our staff in order to improve the company processes and exploit geothermal resources,” he added.
GRA technician Mr. Timothy Kinara, who was one of the presenters, was full of praise for the opportunity afforded to him to share his idea, “This has been an eye-opener too. Being the first time I’m presenting a research paper, I have indeed broken the proverbial glass ceiling. I’m happy,” he said.
“What an amazing way to showcase the ideas that we have and which can improve productivity in the organization,” added Mr. Emmanuel Oite, a GDC apprentice attached to the DU department, who also presented a paper.
GDC General Manager, Human Resource and Administration Mrs. Irene Onyambu thanked the authors for taking their time to research and develop ideas that will assist the company in efficiently achieving its mandate of developing geothermal resources. “I urge you to continue fine-tuning your ideas to further accelerate our mission of lowering the cost of power,” she encouraged.
On his part, Mr. Joseph Kitilit, the Ag. General Manager, Strategy, Research and Innovation noted that plans are underway to make the forum an annual event to foster continuous improvement and innovation.
The staff who attended the symposium were also thrilled. “The presentations were interesting, informative and eye-opening – they are indeed a game changer once we actualize them,” commented Mr. Evans Nyamweya who was following the proceedings online from our Polo Centre office, Nakuru County.
The presenters were also commended for their presentation skills. “The presentation style is good – the voice, pace and tone are outstanding. It exudes mastery of the content and adequate preparation for this conference,” noted Mr. Paul Lomeri, a Regional Administrator, North Rift who joined the symposium from our Kapkerwa Offices, Baringo County.
Research and Innovation are embedded in GDC’s Strategic Plan in which new knowledge plays a central role in individual development, social welfare and international competitiveness.
amzing company, lets continue in that spirit