Principal Secretary of Energy and Petroleum,
Dr. Joseph Njoroge,
Kenya Power Board of Directors Chairman,
Hon. Kenneth Marende,
Kenya Power CEO,
Dr. Ben Chumo,
Kipeto Energy Limited Board Chairman,
Dr. Kenneth Namunje,
And a special welcome to the Masai community.
Ladies and gentlemen,

It’s a pleasure to join you today as Kipeto Wind Park signs its agreement with Kenya Power. This project will provide cleaner and more reliable energy to Kenya’s national grid, helping to boost economic growth. It also demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to sustainable energy development and its leadership on climate change. And, I am pleased to say, that today’s signing marks yet another example of our strong partnership on issues that are critical to both of our countries.

President Obama underscored the importance of our cooperation during his trip to Kenya last year when he said, “America partners with Kenya in areas where you’re making enormous progress …on access to power, where Kenya is developing clean energy that can reach more people; on the important issue of climate change, where Kenya’s recent goal to reduce its emissions has put it in the position of being a leader on the continent.”

As President Obama noted, access to energy is critically important for creating economic opportunities. In sub-Saharan Africa, where two out of three people lack power, access to electricity can change lives. Indeed, electricity means communities can power sewing machines and refrigerators that can support small businesses. It means clinics and hospitals can power life-saving equipment. And it means children in rural areas have access to computers and light to study for their future.

Through Power Africa, the U.S. Government is committed to adding more than 30,000 megawatts of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This will increase access to power for people and businesses by establishing 60 million new connections to the grid. Here in Kenya, Power Africa is directly supporting the country’s goal of increasing power generation capacity by 5,000 MW by this year and by 23,000 MW by 2030.

As part of our commitment under Power Africa, the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation – OPIC – has provided $233 million in investment support to the Kipeto project. In addition, our Grid Management Support Program will help Kenya to update its electricity codes and procedures to manage this renewable, yet intermittent, resource. An updated grid is necessary for Kenya to take advantage of its renewable energy resources – including wind – and power this country’s future growth.

Today’s signing of the Power Purchase Agreement demonstrates the value of partnerships – not just between our governments, but also between our business, and our people. Together, with this signing, we are working to spark economic growth and bring energy access to the people of Kenya. So, please join me in celebrating this major milestone. Thank you and congratulations.

Pamoja tusonge mbele.

Asanteni sana.