kenya engineeer, january/february 2013

2 KENYA ENGINEER - JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

CONTENTS

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52 MAIN STORY

News.........................................................6-43Interview.................................................44-46Pictorial.......................................................45Naval Ship...............................................50-52Parliament...............................................52-53Biogas..................................................... 54-55ESA............................................................. 60IEK..........................................................61-62

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KENYA ENGINEER - JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013 3

Cor respondence shou ld be addressed to the Institution. Kenya Engineer is published every two months. Views expressed in this Journal are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Institution.

JANUARY /FEBRUARY 2013

A Definitive Publication of Engineers in East Africa & Beyond, since 1972

©Copyright: Reproduction of any article in part or in full is strictly prohibited without written permission from the Institution of Engineers of Kenya.

Editorial Committee:A A McCorkindale – ChairmanF W Ngokonyo - Vice-ChairmanN O BookerJ N KariukiProf M KashordaAllan MuhaliaA W OtsienoS K KibeM MajiwaJ Mutilili

Editorial Assistants:Peninah Njakwe

Editors:Articulate Edits

Design & Layout:Alex Ireri Kithumbu

Sales & Marketing:Roseline OkayoJoyce NdamaiyuPhylis MuthoniAnastacia KodiOliver Elman

EDITORS NOTE

Published by:

P O Box 45754-00100 NairobiTel: 4443649/50/72,Cell: 0719 207 712Fax: 4443650Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

Roads/ports and airports: Kenya’s superhighway launched days after which the ultra modern Syokimau Railway Station is also opened by the President Mwai Kibaki. The East African Community is proposing for joint infrastructure, what does this mean?

Energy: Chinese investors join hands to what could b the country’s largest solar power plant; World Bank withdraws as a guarantor for Africa’s largest wind power firm but the project is still on with no state guarantees; neibouring Uganda commissions 250MW Bujagali hydro power plant at the eve of country’s Jubilee

Oil: Tullow and partner start drilling at Paipai-1 as oil is encountered at Twiga-1 block; the country is seeking 25% stake in oil production ventures; Vanoil Energy completed a 100 sq km 3D seismic in block 3A.

Technology: Firm launches new smartphone into Kenyan Market; Nairobi hosts a Pan-African tech expo.

Mining: Stout MinMetals investing in a $9 million manganese plant; battle in cement industry to intensify as new player expected in 2013.

Industry: IMF pushing for wider VAT net boost;KTDA gets Sh1billion

Happy New 2013 to all our readers!

A A McCorkindale – Chairman Editorial Committee

Next issue will be out by 1st March 2013

Editor’s Note


NEWS

28th Nov 2012 marked the official opening of the Arusha-Namanga-Athi River road. The ceremony was presided

by presidents, Mwai Kibaki, Jakaya Kikwete and witnessed by Uganda’s president,Yoweri Museveni,Pierre Nkurunziza and Paul Kagame,all of the East African Community (EAC). In attendance too were representatives from African Development Bank and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).The road whose works were officially inaugurated in March 2009 is part of an important commercial and transport corridor serving Kenya and Tanzania. It is identified as Project Corridor No.5 that runs from Tunduma in South Tanzania to Moyale in Northern Kenya an onwards

to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. The corridor is also part of the Trans African Highway No.9 running from Cape Town in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt.The main objective of the project is to support regional integration through the facilitation of transport, trade, tourism and social-economic development of the area.Kenya through the ministry of roads worked on Lot K of the project running from Athi River-Namanga,136km while Tanzania was responsible for Lot T (Arusha-Namanga)section,105km.The road initially constructed in the 70’s had worn out complicating transport.The entire road was rehabilitated to international trunk road standards with a carriageway of 7m and shoulders of

Road Linking Kenya and Tanzania Launched2m.Other works included; construction of non-motorist traffic facilities, service roads at Athi River,Kitengela,Isinya,Illbassil and Namanga towns as well as streetlights to improve visibility.Chinese firm, China National Overseas Corporation (COVEC) was responsible for the works on the Kenyan side under the supervision of GIBB Africa while Tanzania contracted China Geo Engineering Co. and was supervised by John Burrow.The two governments co-financed the project together with African Development Bank and JICA.The Athi River-Namanga stretch cost Ksh 7.16 billion while the Namanga-Arusha stretch cost Tsh 98 billion. In total, the whole project cost US$164 million.


NEWS

Chinese photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer J inkoSolar Holdings joined forces with China Jiangxi Corporation for

International Economic & Technical Co, Ltd. (CJIC) to build a 50MW solar power plant in Kenya.The facility, which is expected to be the largest grid-connected solar power plant in the country, will occupy 200 acres near Garissa town in the North Eastern Province.According to a statement from the companies, the plant will produce about 76,470 megawatts hours per year, while reducing carbon emissions by

Chinese Investors Join Forces to Build Country’s Largest Solar Power Plant

64,190 tonnes annually and saving coal consumption by 24,470 tonnes per year.“With an arid climate and a vast desert landmass, Garissa is geographically optimal for harnessing solar power,” said JinkoSolar.Under the agreement, technical support will be provided to the project by NYSE listed JinkoSolar, who are also the preferred module supplier to CJIC who are working on the construction.“Through cooperation with JinkoSolar, we hope to build a long-term relationship to harness our unique advantages and open a new chapter for the construction of PV power plants in Africa,” CJIC’s general

manager Guojian Xu said.Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar, added, “By cooperating with CJIC, we expect this project will provide JinkoSolar with future opportunities in Kenya’s solar power plant industry.”It is however not clear who contracted the companies for the project and when, as well as the time frame and estimated cost.The solar project comes at a time when Kenya is aggressively seeking alternative power sources to supplement unreliable hydro-power and expensive diesel-generated thermal power, which is often turned on during the dry seasons.

NEWS


The PS Ministry of Information and Communication, Dr Bitange Ndemo in October last year officiated the opening of the first

ever Pan African technology launch pad in an event dubbed DEMO Africa. The event which ran from 25th to 26th October was a flagship initiative of the Liberating Innovation in Opportunity Nations in Africa (LIONS@frica) consortium which showcased some of Africa’s latest most innovative products. Its partners included DEMO, Microsoft, InfoDEV, Nokia and US Department of State.The even t he ld a t the Kenya t t a International Conference Centre (KICC) was hosted by African eDevelopment Resource Centre and CIO East Africa under the auspices of Kenya’s Ministry of Information and Communication.The event attracts venture capitalists, angel Investors, investment fund managers, technology buyers, entrepreneurs, companies looking to buy start-ups,

DEMO Africa Comes to Nairobiinnovation supporters & the media.40 demonstrators were selected as finalists after three rigorous vetting processes with the final vetting and adjudication being done by a pan-African panel of judges including entrepreneurs, academics and venture capital investors. The 40 cover five categories – Social Media , C loud Serv ices , Mobi le , Consumer and Enterprise Technologies. South Africa and Kenya take a big chunk of the final 40 with Ghana and Nigeria coming in a close second. Other countries represented included Cameroon, Senegal, Egypt, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.DEMO Africa Investor Round Tables are organised to address the need for investment structures that can be tapped into by global investors. DEMO Africa and USAID had hosted the first round table in Nairobi on the 7th September same year in an effort to understand what it’s all about at the Intercontinental hotel.

Samsung Electronics launched i t s l a t e s t p roduc t in the country’s market, Galaxy Note

II Smart phone at the Sarova Hotel in Nairobi. The launch of the device was considered as part of a strategic commitment to bridge the digital divide in Africa.“The firm’s strategy to enhance Smartphones penetration is based on growing demand locally”, explained the firm’s deputy managing director, Robert Ngeru during the launch.He explained that the demand for Smartphones is currently being fueled by growing mobile data usage on the local 3G mobile networks.”Samsung estimates that 50% of internet connections is exclusively on mobile devices, effectively confirming the need for further Smartphones penetration”, said Ngeru.With investments in new generation mobile phone technologies expected to reach the $1.5 billion mark by 2015, Ngeru disclosed that Smartphones are outselling personal computers at the ration 4:1 in key African markets such as Kenya, Nigeria ad South Africa.In the year 2012,Samsung made several improvements on the devices. They introduced ‘Premium Suite’, a software upgrade which provided enhanced user experiences. In September, they expanded the category with the Galaxy Note 10.1-inch large screen, multiscreen feature and a more natural S Pen.

F i r m l a u n c h e s n e w smartphone into Kenyan Market

NEWS


The Kipevu III thermal plant in at Kipevu, close to the city of Mombasa was officially commissioned on December

4th last year. This came five months after KenGen commissioned a 280 geothermal power plant, Olkaria III in July same year.The plant becomes the largest diesel plant in East Africa comprising of seven diesel engines and is connected to the 132kV Kenya Power transmission substation via an ultramodern gas insulated switch-yard (GIS). This substation would provide a connection point for the Kipevu III power plant to KenGen Diesel PS substation and a connection to the existing KPLC 33kV substation. The new diesel-powered plant is another

step towards reducing the country’s reliance on the expensive emergency power as well as meeting the growing national power demand. It adds to the national grid, 120 mega watts of power which equates to 10 per cent increase in KenGen’s total generating capacity.It was built on a fast-track basis on a fixed turnkey contract which took 14 months to complete. The plant will generally operate at base load with an expected annual capacity factor greater than 85%.It is designed for an operating life of at least 25 years, with annual availability exceeding 93% under base load and part load conditions.The plant, first in the country to utilize the

East Africa’s Largest Diesel Power Plant Commissioned

GIS technology takes up less than a tenth of the land a conventional switchyard would take with maintenance-free for over 40 years.Kipevu III power plant was financed through the public infrastructure bond (PIBO) floated by KenGen in 2009 netting a total of Sh25billion.Proceeds from the bond were also used to fund re-development of Tana Hydro plant,3rd unit of Olkaria II and the new 280MW Olkaria I & IV which is currently under development.The eng ine s o f t he p l an t we re manufactured by Wartsila,generators by ABB while transformers and the gas insulated switchyard were provided by Siemens and ABB of Italy and Germany

8 KENYA ENGINEER JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

NEWS

K enya Electricity Generating Company KenGen s igned a steam field development c o n t r a c t w i t h S y n o p e c

International of China worth Ksh 11.6 billion, after the latter emerged the winner in an international competitive bidding process. This project is jointly funded by KFW and the World Bank, which were both available at the signing ceremony.The contract is the last lot of various contracts in the ongoing 280MW power project in Olkaria, Naivasha. It will entail installation of a pipeline system to collect steam from various wells, steam separators as well as steam field control system. The total piping system installation is 40 kilometres and includes various pipe sizes

of up to 42 inches radius.Implementation of the contract signed kicks off immediately and is scheduled to be completed in 20 months. Wells to generate steam for the project have already been successfully drilled having been funded by the GOK. The wells drilled are 57, with steam harvest able to generate 394MW confirmed.Other contracts on the 280 MW geothermal project are power plant construction being undertaken by a consortium of Hyundai of Korea and Tshusho of Japan, Transmission lines and sub stations being constructed by KEC of India and the overall project management being carried out by Sinclair Mertz of Australia.Speaking during the signing ceremony, KenGen Chief Executive Officer and MD

Eddy Njoroge said the project is the last major milestone in construction of the 280 MW geothermal project that will pump a further 25% of current capacity to the national grid once complete in mid 2014. ‘With such a huge boost from this clean, reliable and competitively priced form of electricity, consumer prices will ease as the country will require less generation of the more expensive modes of generation’ further added Njoroge.KenGen strategic plan puts the power generator on a green energy path, with geothermal expected to provide half of electricity needs of the country by 2018. With the 280MW project now firmly underway, KenGen has set sight on the next geothermal project that targets 520MW in Olkaria where huge steam potential has been confirmed.

Kengen Signs Sh11bn Steam Field Development Contract With a Chinese Firm


NEWS

New power plants saw KenGen gain market share f rom independent power sellers in the year which ended in June

2012.The market share grew to 75 per cent from 70.7 per cent a year earlier and 53.1 per cent in 2010, according to Kenya Power’s financial statement.The statement also showed that Kenya Power, the sole buyer of bulk power, bought electricity worth Sh21 billion, meaning that the independent producers posted sales of Sh5.1 billion given KenGen’s revenues of Sh15.9 billion. At Sh5.1 billion, the independent power sellers saw their revenues drop from last year’s Sh5.9 billion and Sh9.6 billion in 2010.“The company registered continued growth in revenues ar i s ing f rom increased capacity as a result of newly commissioned power plants,” said

Power Producer Raises Market Share from New Power Plants

KenGen’s managing director Eddy Njoroge in a statement.KenGen installed plants with additional capacity of 52.5 megawatts while some that were upgraded mid last year like the 120MW gas-driven Kipevu plant and Tana Hydro reported full year of operation. The shifts in market share have cut the earnings of the independent power producers by 46 per cent over the past two years and lifted KenGen’s net profit and dividends.KenGen’s net profit grew 35.6 per cent to Sh2.8 billion on increased sales, which rose to Sh15.99 billion from Sh14.3 billion and allowed it to raise its dividend to Sh0.60 a share from Sh0.50, a payout it has maintained since 2008.The bulk of the power f rom the independent players is made up of the expensive thermal power since Mumias Sugar and OrPower are the only ones

dealing in renewable sources. Other independent power producers include Aggreko, Tsavo Power Company, Iberafrica and Rabai Power.But consumers have not benefited from the increased market share of KenGen, whose power generation is currently hinged on the cheaper hydro power. Electricity consumers paid Sh50.6 billion in the year to June in the form of fuel and forex adjustment costs up from Sh30.6 billion a year earlier.KenGen has embarked on capital-intensive alternative power generation projects to reduce dependency on thermal sources.The country’s largest miller, Mumias Sugar, also plans a Sh24 billion integrated sugar project in the coast’s Tana River District to cut its reliance on small scale farmers.

NEWS

What is to be Afr ica’s biggest wind farm, Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) is still on after

experiencing delays with the latest owing to the withdrawal of the World Bank as the guarantor for the project. African Development Bank (AfDB) however assured to continue with its funding plans.The World Bank withdrew as a guarantor with fears that the 300MW plant is too big for Kenya’s power grid and may produce huge amounts of electricity that may go to waste, hence deny LTWP revenues, and hurt its position to pay creditors. According to the World Bank, Kenya Power would be exposed to the liability of absorbing 30 per cent of the up to Sh8.4 billion surplus electricity, with the balance of 70 per cent (Sh5.9 billion) being absorbed by consumers.The wind farm site, covering 40,000 acres is located in Loyangalani District, west of Marsabit County, in north-eastern Kenya. The average wind speed is approximately 11 metres per second and wind blows consistently from the South East.

Wind Power Project Still On In Spite Continued DelayThe project which is now endorsed in the Vision 2030 will add 300 Megawatts (MW) of reliable, low cost wind power to the Kenya national grid, equivalent to approximately 20 percent of the current installed electricity generating capacity. It will replace the need for Kenya to spend approximately Sh15.6 billion per year on importing fuel.The project will comprise 365 wind turbines (each with a capacity of 850 kilowatts), the associated overhead electric grid collection system and a high voltage substation.

Wind power project to continue with no State guaranteesThe Ministry of Energy confirmed that the Lake Turkana Wind Power project would go ahead even after World Bank’s withdrawal but now with no State guarantees. A team was set up to investigate on the matter. Energy permanent secretary Patrick Nyoike and the government however expressed confidence that the economy can absorb this due to the national reserve

deficit. The African Development Bank, who are the main financier of the project also disputed the World Bank’s view and said it will continue to fund the project.Lake Turkana Wind Power maintained that they would still implement the project despite the World Bank’s reservations.LTWP had earlier faulted the multilateral financier for supporting the more expensive thermal production contracts as well as heavy fuel power projects in the country. It maintained that its PPAs were similar to those entered with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs).The multi-lateral financier, who was to offer guarantees to investors in the Sh66 billion project in case power produced was not bought, officially withdrew from the project on October 6, 2012. Besides demand side concerns, the bank also doubted Kenya Electricity Transmission Company’s (Ketraco) ability to complete the Sh20.6 billion transmission line between Loyingalani and Suswa in time for immediate addition of Turkana wind power to the national grid.


NEWS

The In te rna t iona l F inance Corporation will invest a total of Sh4.34 billion in an 80 megawatt (MW) thermal power

plant near Nairobi, boosting the country’s bid to meet it energy needs.The World Bank’s private sector lending arm said it will invest Sh2.17 billion in the power plant owned by independent power producer (IPP), Gulf Power Ltd and arrange for a loan for an equal amount from Standard Bank.“The 80 megawatt Gulf Power plant will use heavy fuel oil (HFO), to help diversify Kenya’s electricity production from hydro-power. During drought, when water levels drop in generation dams, Kenya has had to turn to costly emergency power.HFO power plants are a quick and viable option to address the energy deficit in Kenya, because of the relatively long development period of other sources like geothermal energy and coal,” IFC said in a statement.The project is a result of the Kenyan government’s tender of three power plants in 2009, to encourage private sector participation in the electricity generation.The World Bank estimates that power shortages currently cost the Kenyan economy two per cent of GDP growth.

Sh4bn Thermal Power Investment“As demand for energy increases in Kenya, IPP’s can help the government boost electricity supply and fuel the nation’s economy. Gulf Power’s choice of heavy fuel oils will diversify Kenya’s energy sources, making power generation more stable,” said Oumar Seydi, IFC Director for East and Southern Africa.Gulf Power is owned by Gulf Energy Limited, an oil and gas trading company, and by Noora Power Limited. Both companies are incorporated in Kenya.“Independent Power Plants can assist governments in improving supply and quality,” said Francis Njogu, CEO of Gulf Energy Ltd.In June, the IFC also put in Sh3 billion in another winning bidder for the IPPs — Thika Power Ltd which has put up a 95MW thermal plant.With increasingly unreliable rainfall due to the effects of climate change, the country is often forced to take to thermal power sources to compensate for shortfalls on hydro-power output.The country is also taking on alternative sources of energy such as geothermal, wind and coal to boost electricity supply following growing demand.Statistics by the Energy Regulatory

Commission (ERC) showed that the demand for electricity in the country has grown tremendously over the years piling pressure on generation and distribution. While the demand was 4,200gega watt hours (GWh) in 2004/05 it increased to 5,318GWh in the year 2009/10.The country is stepping up geothermal production to improve supplies and cut its energy costs.The country has potential to produce 7,000 MW of power from geothermal and is targeting at least 5,000 MW by 2030.Several wind power projects have also been rolled out including those by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) in Ngong area. Statistics by the Energy ministry showed that the installed wind energy capacity to the grid was 5.45MW as at December 2011 and a further 20MW is expected to be commissioned by end of 2012.The 300MW Lake Turkana Wind power project is expected to be commissioned in 2014. Other committed projects include 110MW at Kinangop and Ngong. As of 2011, proposals for development of 650MW have been received for wind energy production in Marsabit, Isiolo and Ngong.



NEWS

2nd Container Terminal Set to Begin

AfDB to Fund Kenya-Tanzania Road

The Sh28 billion second container terminal at the Mombasa port was set to begin by end of November, according to Kenya

Ports Authority (KPA) managing director Gichiri Ndua.The project which had been on the drawing board will see to the increase the port’s handling capacity and enhance our container operations. It will be the biggest single project to be undertaken by KPA since 1980 when the existing terminal was built. It is part of an elaborate program to expand and modernize the Mombasa port.The project will involve dredging of the main channel, construction of three berths with a straight-line quay of 900 meters, reclamation of 100 hectares of land, and creation of space for container stacking and associated facilities.To ease movement of cargo from the port, a railway line and access roads will be constructed to link the new terminal and the existing port network on one end

and the proposed Dongo-Kundu by-pass and Mombasa – Nairobi Highway on the other end.The new terminal project is funded by a loan from the Japanese government through the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) within the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) at an interest rate of 0.2 per cent and a repayment period of 40 years including 10 years grace period.Japan will provide Sh26 billion while the Kenyan government through KPA will invest the compulsory funding of Sh5 billion plus Sh612 million for compensating those displaced by the project.The Mombasa port currently handles more than twice its design throughput of 250,000 20-foot equivalent container units (TEU).This will however change in two years’ time when the new terminal capable of handling 1.2 million TEU is expected to be completed.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) announced that that it would fund the construction of

a road linking Kenya to Tanzania at a cost of 112 million US dollars.African Development Bank Principal Transport Engineer, Zerfu Mammo told journalists in Nairobi that the Mwatate-Taveta-Arusha Road will help accelerate trade between the two neighbors. “AfDB will provide funding to the tune of 112 million U.S. dollars for the 98 kilometer portion on the Kenya side,” Mammo said. The Kenya government will provide approximately 12 million dollars for the dual carriage road.The pan-Af r ican bank would also fund the construction on the Tanzanian side. Mammo said that the construction is scheduled to begin mid 2013 and would take three years to complete. “We will conduct a baseline survey in order to monitor the economic of the road,” he said. According to the bank, the cost of inland transport is expensive in Africa when compared to other continents. “We are committed to fund projects that will promote regional integration of the continent,” he said.AfDB will also be involved in the development and construction of the Nairobi’s mass rapid transit that aims to reduce congestion in Kenya’s rapidly growing capital city.


NEWS

Joint infrastructure for the EAC?

The East African Community is working towards proper cohesiveness among member states with the latest being joint

infrastructure projects. Talks underway between the EAC partner states on projects geared at effectively utilizing donor funds for sustainable development while increasing access to regional and international markets.Among the projects to be jointly i m p l e m e n t e d i n v o l v e p o w e r -interconnection, road and railway. Rwanda is to front Dar es Salaam Isaka-Kigali Railway, Rusumo-Kayonza highway; Dar es Salaam-Mombasa-Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali-Bujumbura oil pipeline and national grid power inter connections.A meeting of Heads of State is to be held

where they will agree on what projects to front. The criteria to be used will ensure that each country comes up with projects shared at least by another member state.The European Union had earlier raised concerns that financial procedures in some of the recipient countries were not good enough to facilitate proper utilization of aid leading to delays in releasing the money. Harmonized financial procedures and joint regional projects is thus expected to overcome this challenge, by ensuring that all the aid money is released.Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan are negotiating a joint oil infrastructure plan that would help them coordinate the construction of oil refineries and an oil pipeline. The EAC is also considering joint mineral and mining laws for the region.

Kenya Railways announced plans to search for a strategic partner to run the rail passenger

services as the six-year concession contract with Rift Valley Railways (RVR) expires in June next year.The parastatal contracted Deloitte East Africa, a consultancy firm to establish terms for the next concessionaire and determine whether RVR could be considered for another term or the concession should be awarded to another party.RVR won a 25-year concession to run the 2,352km Kenya-Uganda railway in November 2006 but passenger business covered five years of the contract and was extended by 21 months in 2008.The performance of the firm has however failed to live up to the expectation of Kenya and Uganda governments attributing it to lack o technical muscle on the side of the lead investor.The Kenyan government is in the process of revamping the railway sector so as to reduce traffic on the roads especially in and out of Nairobi. The plan will see to the building of a light railway line that will link Nairobi city centre to satellite towns of Kikuyu, Thika, Ruiru, Athi River, Kitengela, Machakos, Limuru and Kajiado.A new line will also be built to connect the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the city centre via the existing Embakasi station.

Railway Operator Seeks RVR Replacement

NEWS

The Board of Directors on 26 September 2012 approved the revised Bank Group Energy Sector Pol icy. This pol icy

supersedes the 1994 Bank Group Energy Sector Policy and the 1985 Framework for Public Utility Tariff Policy previously applied to Electric Power, Telecommunications, Water Supply and Sanitation operations. It is the product of broad based and transparent consultations internally within the Bank Group and externally with key stakeholders including the regional member countries (RMCs), regional economic communities (RECs), the private sector, development partners and the civil society. The new “Energy Sector Pol icy” provides a general framework that will help the bank face a dual challenge: addressing the continent’s energy needs in order to unlock its development potential while responding to energy related local and global environmental concerns, especially climate change,

The Bank Group Policy on Energy Sector Gets Approved

and sustainably reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The policy advances therefore the following objectives: (i) to support Regional Member Countries (RMCs) in their efforts to provide all of their populations and productive sectors with access to modern, affordable and reliable energy infrastructure and services; and (ii) to assist RMCs develop their energy sector in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner. Increasing access to energy for all remains a priority for the bank, given the urgent need for more cost-effective powering to boost the continent’s economic activity and enhance its competitiveness. It is critical for driving faster economic growth and equitable social development. To that end, the Bank will help its RMC’s to harness their energy resource endowments to ensure energy security and expand access to affordable and reliable energy services. It will adopt a demand-driven approach customized to RMCs/RECs’ specific

circumstances, resource endowments and priorities. However, to ensure that its efforts to increase access to energy for all does not undermine its commitment to social and environmental sustainability, the AfDB will help its clients (i) assess different energy options against their ability to achieve such objectives; and (ii) gradually adopt a sustainable low-carbon growth path, underpinned by the three levers: renewable sources, energy efficiency and clean technologies. To effectively deliver on the policy, medium-term Energy Strategies proposing result-oriented operational action plans will be developed under the leadership of the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department. The bank will ensure mainstreaming of the energy dimension in its policies, strategies and operations. It will also step up its efforts to mobilize resources, invest in the development of staff skills, and engage in strategic partnerships


NEWS

Le a d i n g p l aye r s i n g l o b a l infrastructure projects are jostling for a Sh24 bi l l ion Nairobi commuter rail improvement

contract.Tender submissions for the projects show that 17 companies including Hyundai, Samsung and POSCO from Korea and leading rail companies from China and Europe have applied to lay the railway.South-Africa based Aveng Grinaker and Basil Read also submitted their tenders, showing the global interest the project has attracted. The deadline for submitting the tender was October 12. “The level of response and interest and the quality of firms and consortia that responded to the prequalification phase is high,” said Gad Cohen, a partner with eleQtra, the manager of InfraCo Africa, which is developing the Nairobi Commuter Project jointly with Kenya Railways.The partners in July advertised a tender for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the railway line, construction of new stations, maintenance and fuel depots, and procurement of new rolling stock.The Sh24 billion commuter rail project has been divided into four phases, connecting the Central Business District (CBD) to

Railway Sector Attracting InvestorsSyokimau, Ngong, Kiserian Kikuyu and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.The first phase includes approximately 62 kilometres of railway line and the doubling of approximately 15 kilometres of existing railway lines and the construction of a new 6.5 kilometre line connecting the mainline at Embakassi station to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.The procurement process started with a prequalification round for the selection of a consortium of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor and an operator, the deadline for prequalification was October 12, 2012. The f i rs t phase also includes the construction of stations and workshops, and the provision of purpose-built rolling stock such as locomotives and rail road cars among others.The operator will be the contract operator for a long-term period after the commissioning of the commuter rail system. “We are pleased with the results of the first round of bidding which closed on October 12, 2012” said Mr Cohen.The repairs are expected to improve transit speeds from 30km per hour to 70km per hour, enhancing the flow of traffic.

The contractor would provide the detailed engineering design of the railway project, procure all components, including rolling stock, and build the rail system.Kenya Railways and InfraCo Limited signed a Joint Development Agreement on April 15, 2009, and the Project Development Plan for the project was approved by the Government of Kenya in May of 2011. InfraCo Limited is a project development company funded by donor agencies of the European Union.The project is expected to reduce congestion on several major roads and provide a direct rail link between the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the city centre.Kenya i s a l so seeking to reduce overreliance on the road transport system which carries more than 90 per cent of cargo, reducing the lifespan of the highways. Kenya Railways Corporation imported materials worth Sh340 million for the construction of a new commuter line in Nairobi in July 2012.A local firm, Elnoor General Contractors, completed the construction of a modern railway station at Syokimau in Nairobi which is waiting for commissioning.



NEWS

The first phase of the Tatu City is set for completion in 2015.The city, one of the upcoming new

cities in the country had the Phase 1A kick off in April 2012 after approval by NEMA. The city located at Kiambu-Ruiru is currently the largest private investment in urban infrastructure in the country. The four-phase project due for completion in the next ten years occupies an area of up to 100 hectares and is situated 15KM from the capital, Nairobi.The long term investment project is fully owned by Tatu City Limited but among the shareholder of the same are; Renaissance Group and Manhattan Coffee Investment Holdings. Renaissance Group is the largest investor in the project who is also the main financier of the ongoing phase-1 together with other investors. The first phase involves the laying down on infrastructure like mega mall, line shops and a wide open boulevard. It is stated that the city’s energy requirement will be 152MW which the national power supplier, Kenya Power will supply. The city will however invest largely in green initiatives like solar energy, rain water harvesting among others.The whole Sh262 billion city will comprise of retail, residential and commercial developments.

Phase1 of New City Due for Completion in 2015

Ultra-Modern Railway Station Launched

Days after the official launch o f t h e N a i r o b i - Th i k a superhighway, the president again officiated the launch of

another major infrastructure project, the Syokimau Railway Station. The project which commenced in 2009 is among the key projects highlighted in the Vision 2030 manifesto aimed at improving the transport sector around the city.The ultra-modern railway station facility, financed by the Kenyan government to the tune of Sh200 million, is fitted with modern surveillance cameras to enhance security, automatic doors and ticket scanners among other state-of-the-art features. The opening of the station, and a 2.2km spur line linking it to the old

Embakasi line, marked the completion of phase one of the Sh24 billion Nairobi urban transport network that is aimed easing traffic congestion in the city.The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) contracted El Noor Construction Ltd to build the station while the laying of new railway tracks and refurbishment of existing tracks was jointly undertaken by the corporation and Rift Valley Railways (RVR).Syokimau Railway Station is one of the ten stations that KRC plans to build within Nairobi aimed at facilitating easy shuttling of people to and from the city. Other stations will be situated at Imara Daima, Jogoo Road and Makadara among other locations.


NEWS

9th November last year marked the official launch of what has become Kenya’s pride in the infrastructure sector, the

Nairobi-Thika superhighway. The project which commenced in 2009 was officially opened by the president in the company of other government officials.It is one of the major projects highlighted in the country’s Vision 2030 aimed at boosting the country’s economy by way of easing transport.The project overseen by KeNHA was awarded to different contractors who constructed the different sections as follows:-LOT1 - Muthaiga Roundabout - Uhuru Highway (C i ty Ar te r ia l Connectors (12.4km) was done by China Wu Yi Company Ltd;LOT2 - Muthaiga Roundabout - Kenyatta University (14.1km) was done by Sinohydro Corporation Ltd. ;LOT3 - Kenyatta University – Thika (23.9km) by Shengli

Kenya’s Super Highway LaunchedEngineering Construction Group Co. Ltd. The Sh24 billion project saw the road increased from a two-lane to a twelve/eight-lane highway. The works involved widening of University way from the current 6 lanes to 8 lanes;4 lane Flyover across Globe Cinema Roundabout; widening of Murang’a to 6 lanes; underpass at Pangani and a flyover on Muthaiga Roundabout.At the Forest Road - Museum Road - Museum Hill Roundabout section, works involved widening of Forest Road to 6 lanes, provision of Forked Flyover on Limuru Road and footpaths.From Muthaiga-Thika, the road has been increased to 8 and 12 lanes at different sections and interchanges at alternating points-this means controlled access and exit from the highway. Foot bridges have also been set-up at respective points near/at the bus stops for the civilians to use instead of crossing at the busy highway.

The project also included construction of by-passes which surround the Nairobi capital giving alternative entries and exits to the city. The by-passes namely Northern bypass (links Limuru road to Thika Road); Eastern bypass (links Mombasa road to Ruiru-Kiambu road near Kamiti prison); Southern bypass (runs from Kikuyu to Mombasa road via Ngong road & Lang’ata) are aimed at easing traffic which is mostly created at entry/exit points of the city. Heavy trucks are expected to be diverted to use these routes instead. The highway, now fully marked has steel grills along the highway for safety and street lights. The project was meant to be complete by 2011 but this was not possible owing to finances. It plays a great role in improving the transport sector which greatly contributes to the economic growth of the country.


NEWS

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) wants Kenya to quickly enact the Value Added Tax Bill to increase revenue collections.

Director of IMF’s Africa Department Antoinette Sayeh said more revenues were needed to finance Budget priorities in view of pressures brought about by upward wage reviews and devolution. “Parliament needs to pass the VAT Bill because Kenya needs to finance priority expenditures including higher salaries,” said Ms Sayeh on the sidelines of the launch of the IMF Africa Regional Economic Outlook in Nairobi.Some legislators have threatened not to pass the Bill unless their send-off package of Sh9.3 million per member is approved. President Kibaki rejected the inclusion of the send-off package in the Finance Bill 2012/13. Parliament can only overturn the President’s decision by marshalling 148 members to vote for it.

IMF Pushes for Wider Vat Net to Boost Tax Revenue

In the IMF’s rev ised programme released in April this year, the wage bill including benefits for the Civil Service was projected at Sh262.1 billion for the 2012/13 financial year. However, the government has since given the Civil Service a total Sh25.5 billion in wage increments, suggesting the projection will be exceeded.Ms. Antoinette Sayeh said electoral cycles tend to see higher spending on wages and other public services with teachers, doctors and university lecturers having been awarded salary increments in the current cycle. The IMF board will sit to discuss the findings of its mission that was in Nairobi. The Outlook shows African economies will grow by 5.3 per cent in the next two years compared to last year’s 5.2 per cent.Ms. Antoinette Sayeh, IMF Director for Africa said Kenya had done well under the programme with foreign exchange

reserves rising and inflation contained. The foreign exchange reserves stand at 4.1 months of import cover against a target of 3.7 for this financial year. She said the public debt was still sustainable despite being at about 50 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).The Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa shows Kenya’s economy would grow by 5.1 per cent in 2012 and 5.5 per cent in 2013. The economy grew by 3.5 per cent and 3.3 per cent for the first and second quarters of the year, respectively.Cen t ra l bank ’s Mone ta ry Po l icy Committee member Professor Terry Ryan said inadequate capital for lending and employment creation in the formal sector hinders growth. “The capital required to create a formal sector job is extremely high. We have to address the issue of savings if we are to have enough capital,” said Prof Ryan.


NEWS

A Kenyan company is investing in a $9 million plant to mine and export manganese ore,

in the latest venture to seek minerals along Kenya’s Coast. The company, Stout MinMetals said it plans to import the plant from South Africa and install it in Kilifi County, in the first quarter of 2013.The plant will separate iron ore and other elements from manganese, increasing the number of minerals which can be sold locally or exported by the company. “The plant has a magnetic separator to remove iron ore and other elements from manganese. Kenya will earn more foreign exchange as mineral ore will not be exported in raw form,” said Adiel Gitari, Stout’s chief executive. Manganese ore is essential in the production of steel and iron, where it is used to remove oxygen from both metals. Stout’s processing facility is expected to create jobs as well as generate revenue for the government and local authority as the company is licensed by the Mines and Geology department to prospect manganese ore in Kilifi. Stout is also licensed to prospect for manganese ore in Samburu county in northern Kenya. The company is carrying out an airborne survey in Samburu and Kilifi to map out more deposits of manganese ore. Mines Commissioner Moses Masibo said investors currently have 104 special l icences, 37 exclusive prospecting licences, 197 mining locations and 10 mining leases while several applications are under consideration.

$9m Ore Crushing Plant for Kenya

K enya wants licensed oil and gas explorers to speed up their work to meet the terms of their contracts, and may invoke its

right to cash in their guarantees if they fail to do so, a senior Ministry of Energy official said.A squeeze in global capital markets has hurt independent firms’ ability to raise money to drill exploratory wells, causing a handful of oil companies in Kenya to fall behind schedules they are contractually obliged to meet.The government’s tough new stance could have major implications, pushing out smaller firms in favour of those with greater investment capacity.“We just want them (explorers) to do their work. If they don’t do the work we cash the bank guarantee,” said Martin Heya, Kenya’s petroleum commissioner.Bank guarantees are usually agreed when companies sign exploration contracts, specifying an amount of money payable to the government should they fail to meet their obligations. The government can also revoke licences.Explorer Tullow Oil struck a promising oil find in the northern county of Turkana

Kenya to Penalise Slow Oil and Gas Explorers

in March 2012, heightening interest in the East African nation’s natural resources.”Now the interest that is there (in Kenya’s resources) is so overwhelming. If you just sit on the block and do nothing we will take action,” Heya said.John Malone, who studies the sub-Saharan African petroleum industry for New York-based Global Hunter Securities, said: “The market has had no interest in taking any risk, it made it harder for them to go to equity markets and raise money and that punished a lot of these smaller oil companies.”Australian firm Lion Petroleum fell behind on its work commitments this year, causing the government to charge the company a $4-million fee to extend its contract by 12 months. Newly-formed Canadian company Taipan Resources said it was acquiring the firm in July. It raised $11.5-million to cover the fee and meet Lion’s contractual obligations, including conducting surveys and drilling an exploratory well.Other companies, such as Zarara Oil and Gas Resources, have also had difficulty meeting work schedules, according to the Ministry of Energy.


NEWS

The International Monetary Fund urged African oil and gas producing nations to direct their revenue in infrastructure

and education rather than on “white elephants”.Exploration in east and southern Africa has been high in recent months as a result of big oil and gas discoveries in Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya and other regional countries.Antoinette Sayeh, the IMF’s director for Africa, said on Monday the oil and gas sector does not create as many jobs as other sectors of the economy, but if the revenues were directed to education and transport links they would help create jobs.Sayeh said nations could set up sovereign

IMF Warns Africa on Oil and Gas Revenueswealth funds to invest for future generations and to provide cash, which could be used to help their economies navigate times of volatility in the global economy.“It is not enough just to maximize your revenues and then to spend them on white elephants, you have to really be using them wisely and leaving some of the wealth for future generations as well,” she said.Sayeh sa id the IMF i s adv i s ing Mozambique, Tanzania and Niger to help them boost revenues from oil and gas exports.The Washington-based agency projected in its Regional Economic Outlook launched in Japan earlier this month that Sub-Saharan Africa will grow by

5.25 percent this year and next, driven by robust domestic demand, investments and newly-found natural resources.Despite this forecast, there are concerns that although some of the world’s fastest growing economies are African, the rapid growth rates have failed the inclusion test due to lack of jobs especially among young people.The IMF has predicted inflation in the region would fall to 8 percent at the end of this year from 10 percent in the same time last year, before falling further to 7 percent in 2013.Sayeh urged policymakers in countries that are still facing double-digit inflation, like Nigeria, Guinea, Malawi and Ethiopia to adopt policies that will help lower inflation.


NEWS

K enya aims to take a bigger slice of the profits from its natural resources exploration boom by seeking a 25% stake in

the production activities of oil and gas companies operating in the east African nation.The proposal announced by Kenya’s Energy Minister is one of many the government has put forward to increase the state’s take from oil and gas resources, including new capital gains tax rules, a more competitive licensing process and higher fees for petroleum explorers.At present most of Kenya’s contracts with oil explorers give state-owned National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) a 10% stake in the production business once commercial quantities of oil or gas are found. This means that NOCK contributes 10% of production costs and receives 10% of profit.However, the government now wants

Kenya Seeks 25% Stake in Oil Production Venturescompanies to give NOCK an initial 10% stake, increasing to 25% once production has started, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi told reporters on the sidelines of an east African oil and gas conference organised by Global Event Partners.Rajesh Shah, an oil and gas expert and at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said it was unclear whether the rule would scare off potential producers because contracts are based on one-on-one negotiations with companies and the Ministry of Energy.“It depends on how it’s structured and how it’s sorted out,” Shah said. “I think people will get wary if it’s getting something for nothing. If there’s a fair share of whatever somebody has spent ... I think people will be pragmatic and see it as something reasonable.”Kenya’s exploration boom has been fuelled further by gas discoveries in Tanzania and Mozambique and oil

discoveries in Uganda.British explorer Tullow Oil and Africa Oil found oil in the Ngamia-1 well on Block 10BB in March and discovered more a few months later.In October, Tullow and Africa Oil encountered oil in a wildcat well known as Twiga-1 on onshore Block 13T, about 30km west of the Ngamia-1 well. The commercial viability of both finds has yet to be ascertained.Tullow and Australia’s Pancontinental Oil & Gas announced in September that their licence consortium’s operator Apache Corp had found gas in the shallow offshore well Mbawa-1.Experts predict that it will be at least five years before any petroleum can be produced, but in the meantime the government is using its new position as an established hydrocarbon province to squeeze better terms out of explorers wanting to drill and produce in Kenya.

NEWS


K enya, keen to entrench its geostrategic role as the hub of the oil trading business in East Africa, will shortly be in the

market for an investor to build a massive oil jetty under a private-public partnership arrangement. The chief executive officer of the National Oil Corporation, Summaya Athman said that most of the preliminary work had been done, setting the stage for procurement of the international investor for the facility, estimated to cost between $80 million and $100 million.Feasibility studies have been concluded and an environmental impact assessment process done, whi le s takeholder consultations are ongoing, said Ms. Athman. The oil jetty project is one of the strategic investments Kenya is counting on to help it remain the dominant oil supply route to its landlocked neighbours Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.Investor appetite for the facility is predicted to be high, given the rapid growth in demand for petroleum products in East Africa and the inadequate petroleum offloading and storage facilities at the Mombasa port. Currently, the country has only one main

oil jetty, at Kipevu, that offloads petroleum imports for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. And, by international standards, this jetty is still limited in capacity as it can only handle ships of up to 85,000 metric tonnes.It is supported by a smaller jetty at Shimanzi that accommodates much smaller cargo of up to 30,000 metric tonnes. Imports through this smaller jetty are more expensive by at least $10 to $25 per metric tonne, which explains the long queues of vessels in Mombasa waiting to discharge petroleum products. This congestion leads to higher freight and demurrge charges to importers. At the same time, Kenya is looking for Kshs.100 billion ($1.2 billion) to upgrade the Mombasa crude oil refinery to increase its capacity. A meeting of Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited directors is expected to approve the search for funds.Separately, the state-owned Kenya Pipeline Company is in the middle of floating a tender for construction of new, bigger oil pipeline to replace the existing 34 year old pipeline, which will be uneconomical to run after 2014. The pipeline is one of the key petroleum infrastructure facilities in the region,

transporting more than 80 per cent of petroleum products to Kigali, Kampala and Bujumbura. Even after the company completed construction of a parallel pipeline from Nairobi to Eldoret in 2011, pipeline capacity in East Africa remains low.A n d , w i t h K P C ove r t h e ye a r s concentration on developing pipeline capacity at the expense of tank farms, the oil supply chain in East Africa continues to lack storage facilities. The only storage tanks of note are at the Kipevu oil storage facility, which was built in the 1980s to provide spare storage over and above operational requirements for the country. But due to growing demand, the Kipevu tanks no longer serve as spare capacity. The system operates hand to mouth, forcing ships to wait as storage space is created.In most cases, the operations of the Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline take up all the available storage in Nairobi, thus causing stoppage of the line, which in turn leads to ships queuing in Mombasa. Consequently, any disruption of the pumping of petroleum products beyond two days or a delay of a ship delivering such products leads to shortages in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Another major investment in the oil supply chain in East Africa is the new privately developed LPG storage and import facility at Miritini that is nearing completion.Known as the Africa Gas and Oil Company, this facility is the largest LPG jetty in Africa. Touted by the Ministry of Energy as an example of a successful private-public partnership, it dwarfs the existing facilities both in capacity and in the use of modern technology. Oil trading conglomerate Vitol of the Netherlands recently made the government a proposal to build 13 storage tanks with a capacity of 300,000 cubic metres at a cost of $113 milion.The company, a joint venture between the Dutch investor and local company Riva Oils Limited, proposed to the government that the tanks be used for storing the country’s strategic reserves. The Dutch company said once the tanks are built, they can be leased to the Kenya Pipeline Company at a fee.

Kenya Shops for an Investor to Build a Bigger Oil Jetty at Mombasa Port

NEWS


A d i s a g r e e m e n t b e t w e e n Uganda’s government and oil companies over the method of selling the country’s oil is

threatening to further derail production timelines. The Ugandan government favours building of a refinery while the oil firms want both a refinery and a pipeline to take crude oil to the port for export. At the heart of this haggling is the economic constrains: Uganda, inexperienced in the sector, is afraid they consider loosing revenues since it does not understand the marketing dynamics involved, especially after the crude oil leaves the port of Mombasa for overseas markets. A refinery at home is a safer option.

Pipeline, Refinery or Both? Oil Majors and Government Dispute Threatens Production

The oil companies, on the other hand, say having both a refinery and a crude oil pipeline will offer better deals to both the government and oil companies investing in the production. “To complement the commercialization plan, partners think that a pipeline will be needed. This will be a combination of an export pipeline and a refinery, which will provide the best deal for Uganda. A source in the sector said that a pipeline may disadvantage the development of the refinery because oil volumes may not be big enough for both the refinery and crude oil export.Oil companies, however, say the country has enough oil reserves to deliver

production of 200,000 to 230,000 barrels per day. Data from the ongoing well appraisals show that the country has 3.5 billion barrels of oil, up from 2.5 barrels estimated earlier on, of which 1.8 billion barrels estimated earlier on, of which 1.8 billion barrels is recoverable.The companies – Total, CNOOC and Tullow – each own 33.3 per cent shares of the oil fields located in Albertine Rift Valley. Total and CNOOC paid $1.5 billion each for the acquisition of their shares from Tullow. In their view, an appropriate sized refinery and an international crude oil pipeline would provide the best deal for Uganda.

NEWS


Tullow Oil plc 26th of Nov last year announced that the Twiga South-1 exploration well in Block 13T, onshore Kenya, had

encountered 30 metres of net oil pay with further potential to be assessed on test and has also encountered a tight fractured rock section with hydrocarbon shows over a gross interval of 796 metres.Twiga South-1 had been drilled to a total depth of 3,250 metres and had been successfully logged and sampled. Three sandstone reservoir zones, analogous to Ngamia-1, were encountered and moveable oil, with an API greater than

Twiga South-1 Block Encounters Oil30 degrees, was recovered to surface. Further potential was told to exist up dip of the well and would be subsequently appraised. In addition to the net pay, the well also penetrated a thick section of tight fractured rock below 2,272 metres which had extensive hydrocarbon shows over a gross interval of 796 metres. Moveable oil with an API greater than 30 degrees was also successfully sampled from this section.The tight fractured rock section is a new play-type for the region that would require further evaluation to understand

its extent and any productive potential.The Twiga South structure is the second prospect to be tested in the Lokichar Basin as part of a multi-well drilling campaign in Kenya and Ethiopia and is the first oil discovery in Block 13T. It is located 22km to the north of the Ngamia-1A discovery and further de-risks a number of other similar features on the western margin of the basin.A series of flow tests are to be conducted on the well over the next 4-8 weeks. Following completion of the testing programme, the rig is to move back to flow test the Ngamia-1 well.

NEWS


B ritish explorer Tullow Oil Plc and its Canadian partner Africa Oil Corp started drilling a third well in Kenya, extending a campaign

to discover more reserves after finding oil in the east African country earlier this year.Drilling of the well, known as Paipai-1 and located in northern Kenya’s Marsabit County, started on 29th Sep 2012. Its planned total depth is 4,112 metres and it could have as many as 121 million barrels of crude oil, Africa Oil said. Tullow hopes the well will encounter oil, rather than gas.“A discovery at Paipai would extend the producing plays of Sudan into Kenya and open a potentially significant and new petroleum province within Kenya,” Keith Hill, Africa Oil’s chief executive, said in a statement.Paipai-1 on onshore Block 10A is a joint venture of Tullow, the well operator with 50 percent of the exploration license, Africa Oil, holding 30 percent, and London-listed Afren, with the remaining 20 percent.Tullow is already drilling one other well in Kenya, known as Twiga-1, on Block 13T, about 30 kilometres west of where

Tullow and Partner Drilling at Paipai-1it made its oil discovery in March. Hill said the results of this well are expected before the end of October.East Africa has become a hotbed of exploration after several petroleum discoveries in the area pushed the region into the international limelight. However, Kenya has yet to determine whether it has commercially viable quantities of hydrocarbons.Tullow also was a venture partner in the offshore well, Mbawa-1, that encountered gas. However, Mbawa’s operator Apache Corp said it had hoped to find oil and there was insufficient gas to justify costly investments in liquefied natural gas facilities and pipelines.If Tullow finds oil for a second time in Kenya, it may spur investment in infrastructure projects, such as a refinery and pipeline to its coastal ports.Kenya’s energy minister Kiraitu Murungi said he thought the country had enough petroleum to warrant both projects.“We are becoming the new Middle East,” Murungi said at a press conference in August.Tullow indicated it would be at least a year before it knows whether its March discovery can be extracted and exported.

Vanoil Energy completed a 100 sq km 3D seismic in October last year and gravity survey

over its western leads in block 3A in the country.This became the first 3D seismic survey ever completed onshore in Kenya and complements the 845 km of 2D seismic previously acquired by Vanoil.A suite of substantial drilling targets was defined within the surveyed area of block 3A and Vanoil planed to select its first two well locations later.Vanoil also signed a contract with Sinopec to secure the last available onshore drilling rig in Kenya. The rig is stacked in Nairobi and ready for mobilization.Vanoil’s contract includes two firm wells and an option for two more. With its seismic surveys completed and a drilling rig in place, Vanoil is on track to spud its first well in Q1 2013.“ V a n o i l h a s c o m p l e t e d a comprehensive exploration program in Kenya, using 3D seismic and the latest interpretation techniques to produce robust drilling targets,” said Vanoil CEO, Aaron D’Este.“Securing the last available onshore rig in Kenya allowed Vanoil to avoid substantial mobilization fees and to be ready for its first well in 1Q 2013.”,he added.

Firm Completes SeismicSurvey


NEWS

Kenya’s main gateway, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will from June 2013 see to the construction a second runway.

JKIA has been undergoing expansion works estimated to cost over Sh85.2 billion.The runway whose design started in August 2012 can currently accommodate over 80,000 landings and take-offs a year but at the moment the number is only 60,000.It will be equipped with advanced technology making it possible for planes to land even in bad weather. The current runway which is 4,117m is paved in asphalt and Instrument Landing System equipped.The expansion project will double the

current size of JKIA from 25,662m² to 55,222m² with the new Terminal, Greenfield building. Aircraft parking, which has been a major problem in the past, will be improved by an increase in apron space from 200,000m² to over 300,000m², and also additional taxiways will be constructed.The whole project was been divided into three phases to avoid disrupting the airport’s operations. In subsequent phases the airport is set to have a new parking lot to accommodate 1,500 cars, airfield lighting and apron flood lights. Parking stands will be increased to accommodate 43 aircraft from the current 23.The first phase of the project started in

2nd Airport Runway Coming SoonSeptember 2006 and was completed in mid-2008. It was expected to complete in 2007, but there was a delay. The first phase involved a taxiway, apron construction, civil works for the new terminal building, extension of the fuel hydrant system and fencing.The project is being funded by the government together with the World. In addition, European Investment Bank and Agence Francaise de Development will provide $186m.In August 2006 the KAA signed a contract worth $38m (2.6bn Kenyan Shillings) with Wu Yi Co of China for the expansion project construction work.


NEWSNEWS

T here is some light on the future of Miwani Sugar Company after the approval of a Sh11 billion investment plan by the

Agriculture, Livestock and Co-operatives committee. The revival project had been halted earlier after a government agency raised questions over the ownership of land on which it’s to be built.The plan proposed by South Africa-based Eaglefin Structured Finance Mauritius Limited will give 51 per cent of the revived sugar firm’s shares to cane farmers and out-grower societies. According to the plan, sugar farmers will not pay directly for the shareholding but will have their dividends used to pay the financiers over a 10- year period. They will however get full payment for cane deliveries during the term of the loan, foregoing dividends until the debt is fully settled. The Mauritian firm owns a 20 per cent stake in the project and will act as managing partners. According to the Sugar (Amendment) Act,

Committee Approves Sh11bn Sugar Investment Plan

it stipulates that cane farmers and out-growers hold 51 per cent stake in all sugar companies which are set to be privatized. The firm also wants to be allocated extra land for either purchase or on a long term lease of at least 60 years. It will also put in place a private insurance that would guarantee the government and external funders of the discharge of the promissory notes and payment respectively.The Sh16.8 billion project is expected to be in operation by mid this year. Construction is to start as soon as government approval is granted as they already had a commitment to their technology suppliers and had entered into fixed contracts.The sugar company to be based in Western Kenya will have a capacity of 3,600 tonnes of cane per day. It will include a 30,000-ethanol production plant which will run an18-megawatt power plant together with bagasse, a by-product of cane.

The Industrialization Minister Henry Kosgey in October last year officiated the commissioning of a Sh1 billion confectionery chiclet machine for Kenyan sweet manufacturer, Kenafric. The machine, aimed at increasing the production capacity was sourced from Bosch in Germany. It will see the company increase its production capacity from about 1,500 tonnes a year to 8,500 tonnes in the next three years.Kenafric Industries boasts of being the only manufacturing company in the African region to have invested in this kind of machine. The machine will create an additional 100 jobs bringing the number of employees working for Kenafric to 1,600. The new confectionery machine will among other things ensure consistency in colour, size and shape of the chiclets it produces ensuring that the product is exactly the same at point of purchase throughout the year. Furthermore the machine is more energy efficient allowing Kenafric Industries to sell their leading chewing gum brand ‘Fresh’ for two shillings less than their competitors, which means Sh20,000 savings daily to the end consumer.Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the company’s Vice Chairman Bharat Shah announced that the company intended to invest an additional Sh3 to Sh4 billion in the region in the next two years in a bid to grow its markets across the East African Community.

Sweet Maker Gets Sh1bn Machinery to IncreaseProduction

The traditional mode of viewing safety as personal safety only has been superceded and replaced with a comprehensive

view of health safety and environmental management. In many instances it has now become almost impossible to separate the roles and responsibilities in personal safety, health, occupational health and environmental issues. The inculcation of the knowledge and skills in all parties, personal and corporate entities is the base requirement in ensuring that there is a top down and down-up communication, learning, and a functional system of monitoring of various controls.By applying the risk based methodologies in decision making, the investments in HSE management are often easily justified. The risk based methods not only look at the consequences of an incident occurring, but also at the ‘potential consequences’ should an incident occur.When cons ider ing the potent ia l consequences, costs of recovery, damages, demurrages, compensation are taken into account. Conversely, failure to fully appreciate these risks, delayed investments, delayed or no learning, results in huge losses

commonly heard of in far flung countries, involving multiple deaths, blasts, tank fires, pipeline explosions, and gargantuan claims. Costs involved in dealing with recoveries, litigation, public reaction, could potentially bankrupt the enterprise.A contractor worker, who neglects safety instructions, and works at heights without required safety protection endangers the safety of the organization, and demonstrates inadequate inculcation of principles of safety awareness at that level of workers. The agreed documented procedure must be followed once set up to ensure that the concept of procedure control is properly inculcated in all personnel, staff and contractors.At the global level, benchmarking against world class performers helps to position the corporate, and sets impetus in achieving even higher targets. KPRL takes pride in having achieved six million work hours without a lost time incident in 2009. This milestone is world class.

HSE Management At Kenya Petroleum Refineries LtdKenya Petroleum Refineries Limited has in place a comprehensive HSE Management System which sets out the

KPRL Health Safety and Environment policy, organisation structure, objectives and plans of the Company. The HSE-MS also defines roles, responsibilities and procedures necessary to manage the business operations. KPRL’s policy emphasises that HSE matters are a line responsibility and most importantly, it ranks HSE matters on equal terms with other strategic business objectives.The optimal maintenance of the physical asset requires inputs from multidiscipline t e ams compr i s i ng Eng inee r i ng , Technology, Operations and Inspection functions. The objective is to build in integrity of process plant, and increased reliability. Needless to say that high integrity and reliability are hallmarks of safe process plant.

Permit To Work SystemKPRL has a robust Permit to Work (PTW) system which states that all work done must be covered by a Safety Permit. An Authorised Applicant (AA), usually the KPRL technician, applies for a safety permit to perform a task. The permit goes through a number of signatories including the Authorised Engineer(AE), Authorised Safety Inspector(ASI) and Fire Permit Signatory(FPS).

HSE Management In Hazardous Environments: Oil And Gas.


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Pressure Equipment IntegrityKey pillars of HSE are Integrity and re l iabi l i ty o f process p lant . The management of Pressurised Equipment Integrity (PEI) forms a core responsibility of the Engineering function.

Statutory Inspections KPRL fully complies with statutory government inspection requirements for compressed air vessels, steam boilers and lifting equipment.

Management Of ChangeIn management of change, KPRL has comprehensive procedures covering physical modification of plant and facilities. The Plant change process involves risk screening for ‘small’ changes, and full Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) for major changes and large projects.

Risk AssessmentKPRL engineers and contractors develop the job safety analysis (JSA) of the major works in the Refinery in order to identify all hazards associated with activity with the objective of developing mitigating measures. KPRL employs both qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods by use of Risk Assessment Matrix and or HAZOP study.

HSE metrics:A key element of success of the metrics is frank unbiased capture of the data, reporting and investigations, to ensure

learning points are captured and built into work processes. All parameters are reviewed at Management level and actions followed up to ensure closure.

TrainingIn order to ensure safe work practices, KPRL has invested heavily in training of own and contractor staff. All personnel coming to work in the Refinery undergo a mandatory safety induction training followed by a written HSE test. Upon passing the test, one is issued with a gate pass, and may formally be engaged in work at the site.Other training done at KPRL include Permit to Work training, Scaffolding training, Confined Space Training, Fire Fighting, Emergency response training, HSE Auditor training among others.

CommunicationsKPRL has two major HSE committees namely Management HSE Committee, and Refinery Contractor HSE Committee, each of which meet on monthly basis.

AuditsKPRL has an inhouse audit system which covers all activities known as SAWA (Safety At Work Always), Permit To Work

audits and the HSE-Ms Audit system. KPRL HSE MS is quality certified to ISO 14001, and KPRL has maintained certification requirements since inception.

ContractingIn order to ensure strict compliance to our HSE standards, KPRL has incorporated HSE clauses in all engineering contracts to clearly spell contractor responsibilities with respect to HSE. Specifically the HSE clauses set the parameters on Personnel Safety, Work Management, Quality, and Environmental Protection.

ConclusionKPRL core business involves managing the inherent hazards associated with processing of crude oil and other hydrocarbons. KPRL plays a leading role in the Oil Spill Mutual Aid Group (OSMAG). This is a group established by the oil industry to take action and mitigate against the effects of an oil spill, hence the HSE effects of an oil spill can be minimised by timely intervention. At KPRL Health Safety and Environment issues receive top priority and KPRL’s objective is that everyone who works at KPRL goes home safely every day.



NEWS

17 c o m m u n i t y - d r i v e n development (CDD) sub-projects to conserve the Lake Victoria Basin and improve livelihoods

received approval by the government.The Sh51 million project, a regional init iative by the five East African Community member states is part of the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project Phase Two (LVEMP II).The project is aimed at improving the livelihoods of citizens in the area. LVEMP II supports community-driven investments that also aim at rehabilitating the Nyando River catchment and the lakeshore districts. The Nyando catchment districts include: Kipkelion, Kericho East and West, Nandi South, Tinderet, Nyakach, Nyando, Muhoroni and Kisumu East and West. The lakeshore districts include: Nyatieke, Suba, Homabay, Rachuonyo, Kisumu East and West, Bondo/Rarieda, Siaya, Budalangi and Samia.

The 17 community groups drawn from the Nyando River Basin and the Lake Shore districts had forwarded their proposals to the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) that comprises of directors from the line ministries and representatives from universities.Elsewhere, Athi Water called for bids for the construction of water and sanitation facilities in Kibera informal settlement. The areas to be covered are; Lindi, Soweto, Laini Saba and Silanga.The invitation for bids followed the General Procurement Notice for this project in 2009.It is being financed by the African Development Bank in various currencies.The body also called for interested consulting firms to carry out consulting services toward the cost of Water and Sanitation Services Improvement Project Additional Financing (WASSIP AF)

Water Bodies Work Towards Improving Livelihood

The National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) in collaboration with a UK firm

is to establish a e-waste management plant in Athi River.N e m a ’s d e p u t y d i r e c t o r f o r environmental awareness and public participation Betty Nzioka said the plant will be established within the Export Processing Zone, where land has already been acquired. “We want to establish a large and modern technology company so that we can process the electronic and electrical waste that is becoming a challenge to Kenyans,” said Ms Nzioka. She said the e-waste recycling plant run by the Computer for Schools Kenya, and to which Safaricom donated Sh100 million for expansion last month, did not have the capacity to handle all the e-waste being generated. “The e-waste will be like urban mining. It will complement the traditional mines as we have a lot of materials that can be recycled,” Ms Nzioka added.Kenya is estimated to generate 3,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year most of which is inappropriately d i sposed pos ing hea l th and environmental risks. Ms Nzioka said that the authority wou ld be gaze t t i ng e -was t e management guidelines because existing regulations only cover solid waste management.The watchdog is seeking the input of stakeholders on the regulations.

Nema to Set Up e-waste Plant in Athi River


NEWS

The In te rna t iona l Finance Corporation (IFC), a lending arm of the World Bank Group, gave Kenya Tea Development Agency

(KTDA) a loan of $ 12million (about shs. 1.02billion) to support the operations of the tea agency.KTDA will use the loan to build a 200,000 square feet warehouse to store tea and other commodities in Mombasa through its subsidiary, Chai Trading Company Limited. The new warehouse will increase Chai Trading Company’s capacity to store more tea from KTDA’s 65 factories, while eliminating the need to hire additional space.The loan was signed by IFC’s Chief Executive Officer, Jin Yong Cai, and KTDA [Holdings] CEO, Lerionka Tiampati, at KTDA’s head office in Nairobi.“IFC’s investment in KTDA will not only optimize business for KTDA, but will increase revenues and living standards

for the smallholder farmers, whom the company represents. The new warehouse in Mombasa will also create employment opportunities for KTDA’s local suppliers and distributors,” Cai said.Tiampati said KTDA warehouses in Mombasa handle about 300 million tones of tea annually. He observed that the ultra-modern warehouse will maximize on the use of space and meet all international warehousing standards for storage of food products.“While this represents the bulk of our warehousing business, there is increasing demand for warehousing space from other clients. This has necessitated an expansion of our existing 600,000 square feet of warehousing space by an additional 200,000 square feet that will be built through IFC funding,” said KTDA chief executive.The new facility will enable Chai Trading Company to expand its warehousing

KTDA Gets Shs. 1billion from World Bankbusiness, thus increasing the return to the farmer.The over 560,000 smallholder farmers who supply tealeaf to the factories are also shareholders in the 54 factory companies that own KTDA, and therefore any profitable business venture ultimately benefits them.Chai said IFC is committed to investing local companies like KTDA which will help develop Africa’s agribusiness value chain. The new facility will also boost KTDA’S business with other entrepreneurs who provide packaging and transportation services.Tea exports contribute over $ 1billion (Shs. 85billion) annually to foreign exchange earnings for Kenya and benefits over four million people, or 10 per cent of the population. Earnings by small-scale tea farmers affiliated to KTDA reached an all-time high in 2012, with a payout of shs. 45.3billion, up from shs. 40.5billion paid to the farmers in 2011.


NEWS

INTRODUCTIONI learn best from examples! In my teaching experience, I have found that it is not simply enough to deliver lectures with a “sprinkling” of a few examples and expect students to do well. That simply doesn’t work. I am continually finding that good students struggle to do well in continuous assessment tests and ordinary university examinations in solving problems that they indicated they understood the theory and the key underlining concepts.As a general rule of thumb, I always divide the classes I teach into several syndicate groups for at least two reasons i.e. to give engineering students an opportunity to develop communication skills while solving problems with their fellow students and to develop team building skills even as they solve engineering problems.Often times because of the course work load, it is not possible to spend as much time in these syndicates as I would like the students to experience. This is the main reason for developing this book which will provide engineering students with an opportunity to learn as much

Book Reviewas possible from examples which will ground them in their understanding of mechanical engineering principles.

BACKGROUND Our education system seems to be producing graduates who become experts in passing examinations! My whole objective of teaching is to teach students to learn how to learn! Hence there is a need to ground engineering students in the key mechanical engineering principles which they will continue to use for the rest of their lives and not just for passing ordinary university examinations. TARGET AUDIENCE / READERSHIPThe main (primary) audience are the undergraduate mechanical engineering students in university both at home and abroad. The books may also appeal to (secondary audience) who will consist of fellow lecturers and tutorials assistants/fellows.

CUSTOMER NEEDSThe libraries of most Kenyan universities have a very short supply of study aids for

our students. Often times are the books required for private study are either not enough or even available. In addition, virtually all the books are obtained from “abroad”. Moreover, there is also a shortage of specialist lecturers in core engineering subjects such as Mechanics of Machines, Strength of Materials, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics.

APPENDIX ABOOK 1 – MECHANICS OF MACHINES1. Dynamics.2. Velocity and Acceleration: 3. Cams: 4. Friction and Friction Clutches5. Belt Drives and Band Brakes 6. Gears7. Gear Trains

BOOK 2 – DYNAMICS OF MACHINES1. Inertia Forces in Reciprocating Parts2. Turning Moment Diagrams3. Balancing of Rotating Components 4. Balancing of Reciprocating Parts 5. Governors6. Gyroscope


NEWS

BOOK 3 – MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS1. Fundamentals 2. Free and Damped 3. Harmonically Excited Vibrations 4. Transient Vibrations5. Two Degrees of Freedom Systems6. Multi degrees of Freedom Systems and Numerical Methods Introduction, Influence Coefficients, Stiffness Matrix, Flexibility Matrix, Natural Frequencies and Normal Modes, Orthogonality of Normal Modes, Dunkerley’s Equation, Method of Matrix Iteration, The Holzer Type Problem, Geared and Branched Systems, Beams.7. Normal Mode Vibration of Continuous System

BOOK 4 – FLUID MECHANICS AND HYDRAULIC MACHINES1. Fluid Properties and Fluid Statics2. Fluid Kinematics3. Fluid Dynamics

4. Potential Flow5. Viscous Flow6. Flow Through Pipes7. Boundary Layer Flow8. Turbulent Flow9. Impact of free jets10. Impulse Turbines11. Francis Turbines12. Dimensional Analysis and Model Similitude13. Centrifugal Pumps14. Reciprocating Pumps

BOOK 5 - THERMODYNAMICS1. Basic Concepts2. First Law of Thermodynamics3. Second Law of Thermodynamics4. Availability and Irreversibility5. Pure Substance6. Ideal and Real Gases7. Thermodynamic Relations8. Fuels and Combustion9. Steam Boilers and

10. Vapour Power Cycles11. Flow Through Nozzles.12. Steam Turbines13. Steam Condensers14. Air Compressors15. Air Standard Cycles16. Carburetion, fuel Injection and Ignition systems17. Combustion in I.C. Engines 18. Lubrication and Cooling Systems19. Engine Testing and Performance20. Air pollution from I.C. Engine and Its remedies21. Rotary Compressors22. Gas Turbines23. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning; Necessity; Methods of refrigeration; Unit of refrigeration; Coefficient of performance (COP), Fundamentals of air-conditioning system; Refrigerants- Definition, Classification, Nomenclature, Desirable properties, Comparative study, secondary refrigerants, Introduction to eco-friendly Refrigerants; Introduction to Cryogenics.

BOOK 6 – STRENGTH OF MATERIALS 1. Simple Stresses & Strains2. Compound Stresses & Strains3. Shear Force & Bending Moments4. Torsion of Circular Members5. Bending & Shear Stresses in Beams6. Columns & Struts7. Slope & Deflection8. Fixed Beams9. Strain Energy & Impact Loading10. Theories of Elastic Failure12. Thin Walled Vessels 13. Thick Cylinders & Spheres 14. Rotating Rims & Discs15. Bending of Curved 16. Springs

AUTHOR CONTACT Dr. Eric Okoth Ogur,P.O.Box 57572 – 00200, NairobiEmail: [email protected]: 0717514450

I am a co-author, with Dr. Vannessa Goodship, in the book Polymer Processing Using Supercritical CO , Rapra Review Reports, Vol. 15, 8, 2004


President Kibaki launches Syokimau Railway Station

President Kibaki and Prime Minister officially opens Kisumu International Airport

President Kibaki commissions 280 MW Olkaria III Geothermal Plant

Aerial view of the Pangani Interchange

Engineers at a site in Ngamia 1 oil block

2012 Engineering Projects Highlights

PICTORIAL


The newly refurbished parliament

President Kibaki officilly opens Thika Super Highway

Kshs. 4.6 billion MV Jasiri Navy ship docks at Mkunguni Navy Yard

Biometric voter registration kits

PICTORIAL


INTERVIEW

Q. Have you always dreamt of being an engineer or how did you land in engineering? I have always been a tom boy since I was a kid. As I was growing up I wanted to get water to our place from the Aberdares forest. (I accomplished this 4 years ago as a contractor). I had not thought about engineering then as I was not sure what exactly they do.

Q: Education background.Masters in Computer Based Information Systems (Sunderland University), BSc in Civil Engineering (Nairobi University), Githumu High School (Form 6) and Limuru Girls School (Form 4)

Q: What are some of the challenges you faced after getting into engineering as a career?Too much expectation from some quarters and too little from the rest.

Q: What are some of the challenges you face as a lady engineer in your field?Any time you are assertive or tough someone thinks you are being tough because you feel undermined, or because you are trying to prove a point, whereas all you are doing is your job.

Q: Your experience as one of the few lady engineers who’ve made it in the IEK committeeIt is actually quite exciting, and I am grateful to those who chose to choose me to represent them. I will strive to do all I can to serve in the council and the engineers.

Lady Engineer: Jane MutuliliQ: What has been your path to where you are now?Exciting, interesting and sometimes very stressful. I have been an assistant (trainee) engineer, an assistant resident engineer, resident engineer, area manager, (all in the Nairobi City Council), site agent on various projects, assistant engineer (in Kenya Pipeline), project engineer/site engineer (in La Femme Engineering Services - a company that I own), project manager (in Kenyatta University), water supply expert with Abdul Mullick Associates and lately Head of Construction with Danish Refugee Council based in Dadaab Refugee complex. Over and above all I have brought up 4 adorable children, Ronnie 23, Mumo 22, Mark 14 and Wairimu 9. I think my life has been quite exciting.

Q: Major projects handled in the so farI have handled many projects and will only name very few: St. Paul’s University Chapel, Nairobi, offices; Kahawa West St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church; St. Francis Girl’s Secondary School Naivasha; Mwiyogo Water Supply – Kieni; Mutuini Hospital - Nairobi; Study and design of water supply to Nandi Central and Vihiga districts from the proposed Nandi Forest Multi-purpose Dam; Feasibility Study and Detailed Design of the Lower Ewaso Ng’iro South River Multipurpose Dam Development Project; Amphi theatre, School of Engineering, water reservoir - Kenyatta University; Schools, hospital, police stations and police barracks – with DRC Dadaab.

Q: How do u feel about engineering in Kenya and what changes would you suggest? We should have more engineers in the construction field to give the construction industry a more professional touch. Engineers should also be more assertive in the field and should get involved in most of the constructions works on going in the country.

Q: Comment on the country’s Vision 2030 from a civil engineer’s perspectiveThe 2030 Vision aspires for a country firmly interconnected through a network of roads,railways, ports, airports, water and sanitation facilities and telecommunications. I believe that we have started on the road to the vision with the recent infrastructure development and should actually not lose sight of the same. I believe we shall be able to achieve the same. However, we need to focus on capacity building and I believe this will come on training more technical staff at various levels.

Q: Word to those (women and men) aspiring to become engineers and to those in that field already.It’s a good field and worth all the hard work. It gives a lot of exposure and expands once thinking.

Q: What engineering bodies are you a member of here in the country?• Registered Engineer with Engineers

Registration Board (Reg. Eng.)• Corporate Member, Institution of

Engineers of Kenya (M.I.E.K)• Practicing Engineer• C o r p o ra t e M e m b e r, Wo m e n

Engineers and Girl Scientist Africa WEGSA (Kenya Chapter)

Parting wordsSEVEN DEADLY SINS• Wealth without work• Pleasure without conscience• Knowledge without character• Commerce without morality• Science without humanity• Worship without sacrifice • Politics without principle - Mahtma Gandhi

Eng. Jane at the KU Amphitheatre


The Nuclear Electricity Project C o m m i t t e e ( N E P C ) w a s established by the Ministry of Energy through gazette notice

no. 14188 on 19th November 2010. In April 2010, the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) adopted the introduction of nuclear power programme as a national priority. This was the seed that sprouted in the formation of a 13 member committee. Its mandate is to spearhead the development of nuclear energy for electricity generation and to fast track the inclusion of nuclear electricity into Kenya’s energy mix. Introduction of nuclear power in Kenya is expected to enhance the provision of safe, reliable and efficient electricity supply. The level and intensity of commercial energy use in a country is a key indicator of the degree of economic growth and development. Kenya’s electricity is mainly generated by hydroelectric power plants that are mainly dependent on hydrology which is subject to the vagaries of the weather. This is coupled with fluctuating power prices owing to the volatility of oil prices. According to the 2011/2012 Kenya Power’s Annual Report, the country’s current installed capacity stands at

Nuclear Energy - Kenya1691MW with an effective capacity of 1636MW.Kenya’s Vision 2030 is the country’s long-term development blueprint. The Kenya Vision 2030 aims at transforming Kenya into a newly-industrializing, middle income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens in a clean and secure environment. Development projects recommended under Vision 2030 will increase demand on Kenya’s energy supply. Nuclear power is considered a good alternative to provide greater energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The Least Cost Power Development Plan (LCPDP) projects that the total installed capacity in 2030 will be 15,026 MW out of which nuclear plants are expected to contribute 19%. The first nuclear power plant in Kenya generating 1,000 MW is expected to be commissioned in 2022. By 2031, Kenya will generate 4000MW of electricity from nuclear energy.Currently there are 436 nuclear reactors worldwide. 62 more reactors are under construction, 167 are on order and 317 are proposed. Nuclear power is generated from uranium. One uranium fuel pellet, 0.3-

inch in diameter by 0.5-inch in length, produces the equivalent energy of 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas, 1 ton of coal, or 146 gallons (477 litres) of oil.Nuclear power plants operate at base load capacity with an average operating efficiency of 91%. This is more reliable than any other source of electricity. Nuclear Power Plants create between 1,400 and 1,800 construction jobs and up to 700 long-term, permanent jobs to operate and maintain the plant working towards a developed future for the next generation.Nuclear power plants are affordable and they are the lowest-cost producer of base load electricity per kilowatt-hour compared to other sources of energy. Kenya is currently at phase one which involves making knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear program. Other phases the project needs to undergo are; invitation of bids and the commission and operation of the plant.Site selection and evaluation are a crucial part of establishing a nuclear power programme. One of NEPC’s mandates is to identify an appropriate site for the construction of a nuclear power plant taking into consideration environmental and social impact considerations with minimal risk to the population.NEPC is in the process of undertaking public consultation, education and engagement as well as stakeholder involvement in issues relating to nuclear energy in Kenya. This interaction includes fora with professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, Federation of Kenya Employers, The Kenya Association of Manufacturers and The Law Society of Kenya et.al. In addition, government officials, Members of Parliament, COTU as well as civil society are being actively engaged and consulted. NEPC’s advocacy role also comprises interactions with opinion leaders in all the 47 counties of Kenya.it is important to note that developed countries have built their infrastructure through an integrated energy mix. Nuclear power will complement other existing sources including hydro, geothermal, thermal, wind and solar.

NUCLEAR


David Kyalo Musyoka, S. Maina Mambo, Martin M. NzomoDepartment of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,School of Engineering and Technology,Kenyatta University, P. O. BOX 43844 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

INTRODUCTIONWater-level monitoring has been there for a long time and is used to gauge the amount of water in a reservoir, tank or well so that appropriate action can be taken in case of water shortages or excesses. Monitoring of water-levels in a reservoir or tank also helps to assess its rate of usage. Moni tor ing of water levels i s o f vast importance especially to water providers, dam operators, hydrographical institutions, and so on and is very important to the general population as well, because it influences key decisions ranging from water appropriation to agriculture to hydropower generation.

CURRENT SITUATIONTraditional water-level monitoring approaches included:-• Use of a dipstick• Hitting Tank and listening to reflected

sound vibrations• Visually checking & approximating

water-level

Modern sophisticated approaches to water-level monitoring employ use of level-sensors. The level measurement can be either continuous or at discrete points. Continuous level sensors measure level within a specified range and determine the exact amount of substance in a certain place, while point-level sensors only indicate whether the substance is above or below the sensing point. SYSTEM MODELComputerizing the monitoring of water-levels in a reservoir has a lot of advantages and opens up a new world of opportunities and possibilities. For instance, it now becomes possible

COMPUTERIZED ‘WATER-RESERVOIR-LEVEL’ MONITORING SYSTEM

TECHNOLOGY


to log water data on the computer for analysis and future references overcoming the limitation of previous technologies.It also becomes possible to use software to plot graphs and charts displaying water levels over a period of time for analysis. One can remotely monitor the water levels by transmitting the water data over distances via a computer network, telecommunications or web-based interface. In addition, water data can be posted on a website in real time so that water levels are monitored online. Computerizing also makes it possible to remotely control the amount of water by automating PUMP ON and PUMP OFF tasks. Most reservoirs are located on hill-tops or elevated from the ground so that water can gravitate naturally and freely to the user while others are located underground. Computerizing water-level monitoring will , therefore, help conquer the challenge of difficulties in accessing such reservoirs. There will be no longer need to climb up the hill or up the tank to check the water levels.It also becomes possible to interface the system to other technologies like telecommunications. For example, the system can be programmed to send SMS/ text alerts to authorized personnel in case there’s an urgent need for attention. Finally, in cases of modifications, it also becomes easier to reprogram software for a computerized system than redesigning hardware for a system that is not computerized.

Design & Implementation1st PrototypeWater is known to be a poor conductor of electricity, yet this same property can be exploited positively to detect the presence of water. In the 1st prototype, water’s conductivity was the property used to detect its presence. On the hardware side, a pair of stainless steel electric terminals/ probes (one from the 5V power supply and the other connected to the microcontroller’s analogue input pins (A0-A7)) were placed at discrete levels in the reservoir as shown on the schematic below, forming open circuits which were only completed by

the presence of water. When there is no water at a particular level, the circuit is open and the voltage detected by the microcontroller’s analogue input is 0V. Presence of water at a particular level completes the open circuit and a small voltage of approximately 4.00 volts is detected by the microcontroller indicating the presence of water.

Technical Data of the SystemMains Power - 120v or 240 v AC at 50 or 60 Hz, Power Consumption of System ≈ 5 VA, Operating temperature -40°C ≤ TA ≤ +85°C (as per PIC 16f877a’s data sheet), Response time ≈ 0.5 seconds, Output Device - Personal Computer

2nd PrototypeIn the second prototype, a more accurate and simplified approach creatively-based on Archimedes’ principle is exploited. This Archimedes’ principle is exploited in a novel way to determine the water level. Therefore, by determining the upward buoyant force exerted on an object immersed in water and at a fixed position, we can interpret the results to determine the water level.

This approach is also simpler as it requires only one sensor per reservoir and it does not pose the challenge of electrolysis as posed by the first prototype. Experiments on the second prototype are on-going, and it is a great improvement of the 1st prototype. Wireless transmission, interfacing of the system to a web-based interface and networking of the monitoring systems of different water reservoirs for centralized access are all possibilities currently being explored in order to better the system.

CONCLUSIONWater is a valuable resource and anything which would improve on its monitoring and management would be of great help. Computerizing the water-reservoir-level monitoring approach will undeniably revolutionize the manner in which management of water in reservoirs is done, thus, positively impacting our society.This project is able to go a long way in aiding our Water Engineers be effective in the monitoring, utilization and management of water.

TECHNOLOGY


V endors whose source of livelihoods will be affected by the expansion of the highway will benefit from

a resettlement action plan should the government implement a proposal submitted by Panafcon Limited.The consultancy firm, Panafcon Limited was contracted by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to conduct a survey and give recommendation on

Resettlement Action Plan to Cost Government Sh106 Millionresettling those who will be affected by this development. The consultants were to identify all persons who will be affected and the impacts of the proposed projects on their livelihoods. They were also to recommend measures to minimize resettlement costs as they safeguard livelihoods.In the report released by the consultants in April this year, Panafcon determined that a total of 1, 322 people were going

to be affected. According to the census conducted in the project area there were 344 vendors in the project area. These vendors have 238 spouses and 740 children who are dependents giving total number of 1,322.The report also determined that although all this vendors were operating on road reserves, there was need to resettle them because the construction would interfere

The Nutrip Project


with their income generating projects.

Resettlement CostsOther than interfering with the vendors businesses, the project will have other impacts like demolition of structures like billboards, cutting down of mature trees/relocation of business structures and displacement of persons. However no cultural resources will be affected by the proposed project.

According to the report, the resettlement program is expected to cos t the government at least Sh106 million. Key areas of resettlement are structures, loss of business profit (6 months), trees, relocating streetlights and signs (billboards, road signs and bustops). According to the valuation, these will cost approximately. 2.7, 34.8, 23, 14 and 2.4 million respectively. Other costs will be incurred in monitoring and

evaluation, contingencies placed at 15% and Inflation at 20%.

Project HistoryKeNHA, a state corporation, charged with the responsibility for the management, development , rehabi l i ta t ion and maintenance of national highways intends to carry out construction of additional lanes and rehabilitation of JKIA – Likoni – James Gichuru -Rironi Road (A104) and associated 4 Roads Projects. The major renovations are set to begin in 2013 and to be completed within two years. The project is expected to ease the flow of traffic from Likoni Road to the James Gichuru Interchange. The project covers a stretch of 12 kilometres between St James Hospital (near the Airtel Headquarters) and James Gichuru (directly opposite Kabete Barracks) and building an elevated road or flyover. All the roundabouts will also be replaced.This is expected to be the next big road project after the completion of the Thika Superhighway, which has solved traffic crisis in these areas. Other improvements include installation of proper pedestrian pavements, service roads and a modern storm water drainage system. In addition, the design will also include a bus rapid transit lane to streamline the flow of public service vehicles on the highway.

Land AcquisitionKenHa already assured private investors that the government was going to rely only on road reserves and that no private land will be forcefully acquired. This reports have confirmed the same by reiterating that no private land will need to be acquired for the road expansion.“There shall only be one main type of income restoration, namely Non-Land Based (arising from loss of business structures and businesses). There shall be no land acquisition. Majority of the vendors are aware that they are operating on a road reserve and may be requested to move away any time.” Reads the report.Panafcon in their survey determined that majority of the business premises (to be demolished) are wooden stands which

NUTRIP


are only used by the vendors when selling their wares and carry away their merchandise every evening. Only a few of the vendors have Kiosks that are closed at night with the merchandise inside them. In order to ensure that no direct displacement of person occurs the project will utilize the following strategies

• In the construction of additional lanes f rom JKIA-Likoni- James Gichuru-Uthiru, maximum use of the unoccupied spaces in between the existing dual carriageway will be done. Hence there will be no direct displacement of persons.

• The highway stretch from Uthiru-Rironi will only be rehabilitated and no additional lanes will be placed.

• The space for dualling the Airport South Road is ample and currently unoccupied by any business activities hence there will be no acquisition.

• The area for the access road to the Proposed Barabara Plaza is virgin land hence no displacement.

• The access road to the Inland Con ta ine r Depo t ha s amp le space allow for its rehabilitation without displacement of persons or businesses.

Eligibility and GrievancesThe vendors who will be affected are

situated along Westlands, Kangemi, Uthiru junction, 87 junction, Uthiru Corporation, Kinoo, Gitaru and Airport South Road Junction. The vendors sell mainly food stuff and clothing.To avoid conflicts, the report clearly indicated the eligibility for those who fall under the affected persons list. According to the report one was only eligible if they fell under the following criteria; • Those who have formal legal rights

to land (including customary and traditional rights recognized under the laws of the country)

• Those who do not have formal legal rights to land at the time the census begins but have a claim to such land or assets—provided that such claims are recognized under the laws of the country or become recognized through a process identified in the resettlement plan,

• Those who have no recognizable legal right or claim to the land they are occupying.

The report provides for a formalized grievance redress mechanism to help reduce any complaints and grievances to enhance the acceptance of the proposed project.It proposes that efforts should be made to ensure people accept the project, rehabilitation and resettlement program

through people’s participation and support. This they did by engaging the locals in negotiations through meetings with the chiefs of the specific areas.The vendors were given a opportunity to express their opinions and their major concern was the loss of business. The vendors said they preferred to be resettled in the same areas and close to public areas so that they maintain their clientele base.

Benefits to the localsAccording to the resettlement plan, KenHa should ensure that the local are involved and benefit economically from this project. Some of the ways in which this can be achieved is through• Use of local labour during the

construction phase • Availability of adequate time to

resettle before construction begins • Provision of additional foot bridges

for improved communicat ion between the two sides of the dual carriageway.

• Provision of additional foot bridges to reduce accidents.

• Introduce regular road markings and cats eye on the highway to improve road safety especially since a large area of the proposed project gets very misty.

• Provision of adequate mitigation during construction to reduce dust emission

• Adequate care should be taken not to damage water pipes and other utilities.

• Provision of adequate access to various homesteads and businesses a l o n g t h e h i g h w a y d u r i n g construction (minimize obstruction).

• KeNHA to consider working with the City Council of Nairobi to assist informal traders with watering points and sanitary facilities.

Finally, the government has also been urged to engage the public to reduce unnecessary anxiety and antagonism by “resolving disputes through discussion, negotiation and compromise in a congenial, fair and impartial setting.”

NUTRIP

KENYA ENGINEER - JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013 43KENYA ENGINEER - SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 43


Kenya has moved a step forward in boosting confidence in its elections systems with the introduction of the Biometric

Voter Registration (BVR.BVR uses f ingerprints and facial features to uniquely identify each voter. It incorporates total automatic data capturing with advanced technology known as OMR-ICR from captured digital images of voter forms. The patented, accurate, personal and demographic data capturing technology affords a lowest costs solution with the auditable integrity of voter registration forms that are signed by the voters. It encompasses other data such as signature, fingerprints and personal picture. The complete and accurate voters list creates a stable foundation for a credible election. BVR Eliminates Double RegistrationA poll that is both credible must also prevent voters from voting more than once and unregistered voters from voting. This, the system does, through use of biometrics for automatic de-duplication,

verification and authentication at the point-of-counting.There are two main types of bio-identi f ication systems, the visual bio-identification and electronic bio-identification.

Visual identification Visual bio-identification methods include the use of photographs, signatures and fingerprints. Computers and/or registration staff then compare the images to detect possible double entries. The system is relatively cheap to implement and administer. On election day, polling staff compare the photographs and signatures on the voters’ identity cards with those on the voters’ roll. The human eye is still an excellent recognition aperture and a voter ‘s card with a reasonable picture provides a high level of security.Technological gadgets can be used to capture handwritten signatures or fingerprints electronically. These digitised images are then sent to the Electronic Management Bodies (EMB) central

database over a computer network where EMB staffs perform visual comparisons.Digitised data can also be automatically analysed and compared using appropriate software. The software compares patterns in the digitised images and can flag possible mismatches for a human operator to investigate.

Electronic bio-identification Biometrics is the technology by which the physical characteristics of a person’s face, fingerprint and iris are attached to the individual’s personal data and stored in the database. Future referencing of a person is based on this data. The system searches the existing database either to make a negative match or a positive match to a person’s stored biological data.BVR by all means is a highly advanced biometric information system allowing one to enroll and identify millions of voters quickly and unmistakably. This is expected to be a smooth process as Kenya registers its more than 22 million voters.

Biometric Voter RegistrationDigitizing Kenya’s Election Systems

BVR


Using the biometric identifiers, the possibility of election fraud is minimised, at the same time considerably accelerating the voter identification process. This has been a key worry bearing in mind that the last elections threw the country into a mess in 2007-2008.Some of the most important features of the system includes a full range of biometric parameters which identifies the voters’ by fingerprints, iris and voice, highly customisable software modules for both input and output settings, comprehensive data logs and reports for comprehensive voter activity monitoring and the high-level security settings for data protection.

Fingerprint ScannersFingerprint scanners are used in the BVR because they provide a fast, easy, efficient and secure measure through which, an individual with the proper access privileges can authenticate. The fingerprint of a voter is stored in a database that the scanner queries every time it is used. There are two fundamental conditions the scanner goes through when an individual’s print is scanned. First, the print is usually searched for in a database of fingerprints. Once it is located, it then looks at the print to see what access privileges are associated with the print and compares them to the access they are trying to gain. If everything checks out, the subject is allowed access.

Fingerprint RecognitionAnother critical feature of the BVR kit is the finger printing recognition. This technology records and recognises fingerprints within seconds. In this case, the system is integrated with a microcontroller and other peripherals to form an embedded technique, which is a comprehensive electronic voting machine with fingerprint print identification system.The OMR-ICR based solution that incorporates biometrics for voter authentication and duplication involves the following process:• Preparation of the voter registration

f o r m d a t a c o l l e c t i o n a n d management process

• Call for potential voters to register to vote

• Voter fills in form and signed affidavit• Registration officers assist-proof voter

to ensure completeness and accuracy• The form is then scanned for entry of

primary data. This will keep image of the original voter registration as part of the voter registration records

• Collection of biometric digital data which involves facial picture, finger prints and signature in the form of biometric or digital

• Printing of temporary paper card for the voter to verify correctness of the information posted.

• Constitution of registration database involving all voters registration data

• Verify and duplication. Check address against GIS, check fingerprint for duplicate registration and check others information and or databases for duplicate registration

• Af te r tha t , the o f f ic ia l vo te r registration cards are issued. Voters are mailed and notified of the card availability. They are then allowed to sign and pick the cards.

• Finally, the registration database is updates and a poll list, for specific locations, constituted.

Advantages of a BVR system of voter registrationBVR makes use of a unique form identifier. Each voter cataloguing is embedded with both GIS and voting sub-divisional information along with unique identifier to prevent any human and machine errors for capturing the voter personal and demographic data. This prevents tampering or unauthorised changes for ultimate integrity.The system will also save voter registration costs and error. The new technology reduces the need for clerical staff that manually types voter information when the voter personal and demographic data are captured automatically with the used of the patented and proven OMR technologies. Another advantage is that all data including voter’s signature, fingerprints and pictures can be scanned and

captured at the same time in forming part of the audit log and database of voter registration. This eliminates employee overtime costs and data entry concerns.

Fears about the BVR system:Despite the promising outlook of the new voter technology, there are pertinent issues, which bring with it some weaknesses.

Network, systems and infrastructure securityThere is no doubt that any network, system or infrastructure is prone to security gaps. In Kenya, as was the case with Ghana, there were no requirements for all systems to be configured according to security best practice requirements and audited to ensure compliance with the states best practices. Since multiple critical files will be heavily used in this process, it is critical that File Integrity Monitoring will have to be deployed to detect changes to critical system and data files.

Physical security gapsThe BVR has not make it conspicuous of the controls to address how backups will be securely transported from polling centers to data centers. This means there is no mitigating control to prevent anyone from replacing the flash key backups during transport. In the incidence of data corruption of mobile registration toolkit the USB backups will be the only available source of data and if that is stolen, destroyed or replaced during transport then voter biometric template data is lost forever.

Edge casesThere are existing gaps when it comes to addressing cases where voter fingerprints cannot be captured, for example, people with missing fingers from injuries, diseases, etc. The IEBC has not provided any alternatives for verifying voters in the incidence that at that they have lost their fingers at the time of voting. What options are in place to address a si tuation where the centralised voter registration databases crashes and cannot be recovered? How many

levels of redundancies have been built into architecture to ensure that even if someone broke into data centre? Will backups be stored in multiple data centres to reduce such risks?

Failure to dictate age of voterThe process of BVR in many cases cannot detect minors and non-Kenyans and can work off of a system with missing or incorrect citizen data. The Ghana case where the BVR stations were not interconnected meant that there was risk of duplication. A case this March was pointed out where a voter registered 15 times. In total, more than 8,000 cases of multiple registrations were observed in Ghana early in the year.For the last three years, the voting system has become popular in Africa with countries such as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo initiating it. Recently, Sierra Leone also registered 2.5 million voters through the system. Work is in progress in Zambia, Namibia, and Mozambique to have BVR kits in place.

Is it worth the risk?Depending on the infrastructure of a country and future developments in data transfer speed and availability, linking registration devices with the central database could provide high-level security as a new applicant can be checked instantaneously against the existing voter database.


Applicants not already recorded in the database could then be registered, thereby avoiding double registration. The system could also be connected online to the national population database, in which case applicants could only register to vote if they are positively identified in the national identity database.For identification on Election Day, voters could be identified with biometrics before receiving their ballots. The voter could also be automatically marked in a real-time, live database as having voted and thus prevented from receiving another ballot anywhere else and attempting to vote more than once.These scenarios are technically possible in Kenya, and with some fur ther developments in computer speed and programme security are probably even feasible. There are, however, still technical and infrastructural constraints such as limited bandwidth, communication problems and lack of reliable power sources to using such systems in in many developing countries.Given the complexity associated with establishing and running an electronic biometric voters’ register it is difficult to identify the exact benefits achieved and to justify the financial costs. Kenya will need to consider carefully whether an electronic biometric register really improves the level of security compared to a system where the voter signs for receipt of a ballot and has his/her fingers marked with indelible ink.

BVR


APSEA ISSUESEarly in the year 2012 APSEA invited its corporate members to join the following committees. Interested ACEK members have already joined the committees.

1. Professional Development and Education Committee- (PDEC) - Manda ted t o p romo te t he highest Professional standards of professionalism and to support the development of relevant and responsive National education system.

2. Professional Business Development Committee-(PBDC) - Mandated to promote oppor tuni t ies for membership services local ly, regionally and internationally and also to develop support services for members.

3. Professional integrity and Ethics Committee-(PIEC)-Mandated to address the concerns surrounding professional integrity and ethics in professionalism.

4. Public Affairs Committee (PAC)-Provide leadership in professional matters affecting the public and to encourage the practice of good governance- socially politically and at economic levels.

5. Professional Resource Centre Committee (PRCC) –Mandated to developing, managing and mainta in ing the profess ional resource centre and the Professional centre building. It is also mandated with Promoting and maintenance of internal capacity of the APSEA secretariat.

6. APSEA Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee (ACIOC) - Mandated to monitor and coordinate the engagement of APSEA in the implementation of Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Though membership to these committees is voluntary and does not attract any form of monetary payment, they afford members greater opportunities to contribute to the national agenda as well as provide an interactive platform for professionals from diverse disciplines. Committee meetings are held once every month except when there are urgent matters that require members’ immediate attention.On 25th April 2012 APSEA held a combined Launch of the following organizations Codes of Conduct at KICC

• ACEK- Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya

• ICWK-Institute of Clerks of Works -Kenya

• KDA- Kenya Dental Association• SORK- The Society of Radiography

in Kenya

Kepsa Issues KEPSA has Sector Boards which normally hold Ministerial Stakeholders Forum with the various Ministries quarterly (MSF). The MSF is the regular form through which the Private Sector dialogues with the Government on the issues affecting different sectors.KEPSA being very vocal, we urge members to float any issues that can be taken up by the Sector Boards.

Gama IssuesGAMA Conference 2012 was held in Livingstone, Zambia, from 30th April to 3rd May. The theme was: “Engineering as a Driver for sustainable Social and Economic Development”. ACEK was represented by our Chairman Eng. Kariuki Muchemi, Eng. Joel Wanyoike and Eng. Sam Mambo.

East African Co-OperationAs advised in the last news letter, there

is need to organize a forum in one of the 3 countries where all member firms of the 3 Associations could be invited for a networking session. ACEK Council had suggested that E.A MAs be meeting during the annual GAMA Conferences. We encourage members to plan attending the next GAMA meeting (2013) in Khartoum, Sudan.

Update On Engineer’s Bill 2009The president assented the Bill and its awaiting to be printed.

Issues Affecting ConsultantsPPOA: March 2012, held a meeting with Director General’s office to discuss issues relating to procurement of Engineering Services that adversely affect implementation of Engineering Projects.In summary, PPOA informed ACEK that they will give consideration to the following issues:

1. Inclusion of Engineers in the Private Sector in proposals’ evaluation

2. Make capacity building mandatory in standard tender documents

3. For Quality and Cost Based Selection, technical proposals to carry a minimum of 80%.

4. Price Escalation to be incorporated in standard tender documents

5. Standard tender documents to specify period of payment from receipt of invoices as 30 days

6. Standard tender documents to treat engineering services differently from other services and allow up to 15% in variation orders

7. Standard tender documents to limit period between submission of proposals and contract award to 3 months.

Newsletter of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya

ACEK

Alternative Disputes ResolutionDefinition of Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR) varies in different Countries.In Kenya, ADR are methods of Civil/Commercial Dispute Resolution including Meetings, Negotiations, Mediations/Conciliations, Expert Determination, and Adjudication with exception of Arbitration and Litigation.However in other countries, ADR are methods of Civil/Commercial Dispute Resolution with exception of Litigation. Thus in these countries ADR has a larger spectrum provision. There is still a debate in Kenya whether our definition of ADR should be changed to conform to that of these Countries.However the key issues for this Seminar is key role played by IEK in application of ADR in Construction Industry.

Basic Definitions of Major ADR Processesa) Arbitration b) Adjudication c) Mediationd) Conciliation e) Expert Determination

Nature of Construction Industry TodayConstruction Industry has the following

Alternative Dispute Resolution (Adr) Processes in Construction Industry Key Role of Institution of Engineers of Kenya (Iek)

key characteristics:a) International Construction firms participation across Countries Borders/Languages/Legal Jurisdictions.b) International Financing Organizations/Banks/Governments involvementc) Mega Investments of Funds and other Resources d) Strict Implementation Timelines/Substantial Delay Costse) Disputes prone

The above factors are actively in play in Kenya today, where multinational Construction Projects are underway in all Sectors of the Economy ie Energy, Roads, Airports, Seaports, Railways, Water etc.These projects are being undertaken through Local/International Financing, and involve foreign Construction/Supervision Firms through International Contract Conditions, mostly FIDIC.Internationally acceptable Dispute Resolution Rules/Procedures therefore have to apply, and these are specified in Contract Conditions, mostly based on Negotiation, Expert Determination, Adjudication and Arbitration Contract Cond i t i ons have p rov i s ions fo r utilization of local Rules/Procedures and appointment of Experts/Adjudicators/

Arbi t rators by local Profess ional Institutions like I.E.K. This is the focal point of involvement of IEK through its Dispute Resolution Committee in matters of Construction Disputes now coming up in Kenya.It is however a matter of concern to IEK Members that so far involvement of IEK in Kenya Construction Industry Disputes resolution is minimal.IEK is the only local Institution with wide, and in depth experience/knowledge in all disciplines of Construction Industry to effectively deal with the related Dispute Resolution issues. IEK has experienced and internationally recognized Engineers/Technicians in all Construction Disciplines be i t C iv i l , Mechanica l , E lec t r ica l , Telecommunicat ion, E lect ronics , Transportation, Energy etc.Moreover IEK has put in place Procedures/Rules of Appointment of Disputes Resolution Tribunals, and management of the References. (Copies of the IEK Tribunals appointment Application and Management Rules are attached hereto)In addition, IEK in collaboration of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and other related Institutions like Law Society of Kenya are involved in training of its

(By Eng. A.Okelo Rogo, Member- IEK Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution Committee)


CONSTRUCTION

members in Dispute Resolution Processes, and will continue to do so. There is now a Register maintained by the IEK Dispute Arbitration Committee of Members to be appointed for Disputes Resolution in Construction Industry all over Kenya.

Adjudication in Construction Industry Disputes Adjudication is increasingly becoming prominent as a system of Disputes Resolution in Construction Industry internationally. This is due to the following:

a) Easy adaptation to varying Jurisdictions Internationally

b) Provisions for quick resolution of Disputes and enforcement, as compared to other systems ie Arbitration. This is of substantial significance on Projects implementation/completion Costs.

c) Prominence continually being given to Adjudication by new FIDIC Contract Conditions.

d) Kenya has its own Adjudication Rules for Construction Industry, which is a basis for drafting a Bill on Adjudication now proposed to be enacted in Parliament shortly.

In view of the above scenario, IEK Members have no option but to enroll in Courses now being offered by IEK/Charter Institute of Arbitrators on Construction Adjudication processes, as many Projects nowdays end up in Adjudication Tribunals for Disputes resolutions.IEK Members must be adequately equipped with skills and knowledge to specify and go through Adjudication processes effectively.Chartered Institute of Arbitrator (C I Arb.) offers basic Adjudication Courses annually in Nairobi which lead to (C I Arb) Associate Membership. However if there is a need, IEK can jointly with CI Arb arrange special Courses to meet IEK Members requirements.

Expert Determination/Valuation/Witness in Construction Industry Services of Experts specialized in

various sectors of Construction Industry ie Mechanical Equipment, Structural Analysis, Materials Testing, Welding, Electrical/Electronic Systems, are usually required in Construction Valuation, and Forensic Issues.In Litigation, Arbitration, Adjudication they may also be required as Experts Witnesses.In addition, depending on provisions of Dispute Resolution procedures in a Construction Project Contract, Expert Determinant may be required to resolve a Dispute.The Chairman (IEK) is often requested to appoint Experts on issues explained above. It is therefore essential that a record is kept and updated regularly for all IEK Members who have special expertise for appointment by the Chairman on requests made.

Mediat ion/Conci l ia t ion Dispute Resolution Methods in Construction IndustryMediation and Conciliation methods of Disputes Resolution are closely related, in that Mediation gives more powers to the Parties to arrive at resolution without involvement of a third Party (Mediator); whilst Conciliation allows Parties to resolve their dispute with a bit more active participation of a third Part, (Conciliator).So far requests for Mediators/Conciliators in Construction Industry have been few.However, IEK is geared to provide services of appointing Mediators/Conciliators for the Industry in future if need arises. A Register will shortly be set up by the IEK of experienced/qualified IEK Members for appointment as Mediators/Conciliators on request to the Chairman. The Chartered

Institute of Arbitrators (C I Arb) offer recognizable courses for Mediators/Conciliators up to Members (C I Arb) level.IEK will be ready to offer special Mediator/Conciliator Courses for Members in Construction Industry in cooperation with (C I Arb) if there is need.

Way Forward for IEK active participation in Construction Industry Disputes Resolution Issues.

a) IEK Members are encouraged to be intensively involved in Dispute Resolution Courses/Seminars, which are regularly organized by the IEK and other Institutions like the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, to increase their knowledge and sharpen their skills.

b) IEK Members to carefully peruse Bids/Contracts Documents on Construction Projects within their domain to ascertain that Dispute Resolut ion Clauses/Agreements in the Documents are correctly drafted, and more importantly, they specify IEK Rules with IEK Chairman as Appointer of Disputes Tribunals, if the Parties fail to agree.

c) IEK Members to contribute ideas/proposals to regularly update IEK Disputes Resolution Appointments/Procedure Rules.

d) IEK Members to be in touch with the Secretariat regularly to ascertain that the IEK Register of Dispute Tribunal Appointees is updated. This Register will shortly be placed in the IEK Website.


CONSTRUCTION


ESA

3D4Development challenge was launched on 1st May 2012 and was hosted by Tech4Trade organization. They wanted to

sponsor a project that heavily involved 3d printing but they didn’t have too much to send so they set up the 3D4D challenge because they figured they would get a lot of entries that way thus they would have a large pool to choose from and the challenge would give the competitors a big opportunity to gain a lot of exposure in the field of 3D printing which is a relatively new technology to most parts of the world.Tech4Trade organization thus organized a series of workshops across the world and one of their sponsors MakerBot which is the market leader in the field of desktop 3D printers donated six 3D printers to different organizations where they conducted the workshops and the University of Nairobi FabLab was one of the lucky beneficiaries.Through the workshops they introduced the challenge where individuals and groups submitted entries on innovative applications of 3D printing technology to come up with projects and products that could be applied to alleviate poverty in the developing world thus 3D4D was born.Af ter the workshops which were conducted in UK, USA, India, Kenya, South Africa and Romania with an aim of stimulating as many ideas as possible; over 60 projects were submitted from individuals and organizations and a shortlist of seven finalists was selected from the initial entries, all the finalists received a $1,000 research budget in order to further develop the concept in preparation for the final selection event.Enter Roy Ombatti, a 4th year student of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Nairobi who came up with the idea of 3D printing shoes from recycled materials for individuals infected with jiggers across various parts of the country thus striving to solve two major problems at

University of Nairobi Student Makes it to the Final of an International 3D Printing Competition in London.

once; battling the jigger infestation and a smart way of managing solid waste in the country. He partnered with Harris Nyali, a classmate of his who helped come up with the intended design of the shoeFor most people the first line of defense against jigger infestation is by simply wearing shoes because it’s the easiest way of ensuring that the flea, which happens to be poor at jumping, does not find entry into a potential host’s feet. Unfortunately, the common denominator among Kenya’s worst hit areas, besides poor hygiene, is abject poverty thus quality shoes are a luxury that most can only afford to dream about. He has managed to secure partnership with Ahadi Kenya Trust which is the sole organization in Kenya dedicated to fighting this scourge with the intention of leveraging their vast outreach and volunteer network in the implementation of this noble venture.He chose to work with PET (polyethylene terephthalate) i.e. bottling plastic and recycled fabric as the main raw materials and Polyurethane foam which would be used for comfort, and as a medium of administering the powdered medication used to combat the jiggers.The PET bottles would be collected, sorted and cleaned by the local communities;

then ground into small pellets, extruded into filament and finally fed into the hopper of the 3D printer. After which models of the deformed feet would be developed using 3D scanning software. The sole of the shoe, based on the model developed, would be printed with a grooved underside for torsional flexibility.The top of the shoe would be made from recycled fabric lined with some polyurethane for padding. Joining of the sole and top part would be done by stitching and gluing and each shoe would be fitted with polyurethane foam which would be used for the inner-sole. This will be laced with the powdered medication and will be fitted with partitions separating each toe so that the medication is administered to all toes.The use of 3D printing is intended to create a relatively quick, simple and cost effective way of manufacturing shoes; and the main advantage of using this technology is the fact that the shoes are tailored to suit feet deformed by jiggers. The role of the shoes can be said to be twofold they serve a preventive purpose (wearing without medication) and a curative role (with medication). He intended to use the prize money to purchase the 3D printer, manufacture of a filament extruding component, establish

By Tony Mugita Kadiegu.


ESA

It is great news to trained engineers after the court ordered Engineers Regis t ra t ion Board (ERB) to

register qualified university students. University students from Egerton and Masinde Muliro had taken the registration body to court together with Higher Education ministry and Commission for Higher Education over registration. Justice David Majanja, who made the ruling, said the ERB had no mandate to regulate engineering courses at public universities and ordered it to place adverts in two dailies within 14 days inviting graduates to apply for registration. The judge said any degree certificate from a recognised institution was evidence of training and it was illegal for the ERB to deny the graduates registration because it did not accredit the courses offered at the two institutions. The board’s refusal to recognise engineering courses offered at the institutions sparked several protests since 2007, the latest being October 2011 when more than 400 students boycotted classes to protest at the delay in registering them. The affected courses are Electrical and Communications Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.ERB was also ordered to compensate each of them with Sh200,000.

Trained Engineers Can Now Register With ERB

a PET processing rig, purchase of raw materials and equipment and in training the locals.He be l ieves tha t the success fu l implementation of the project dubbed Happy Feet: Fighting jiggers in 3D will in a way help to alleviate poverty, create employment and provide a source of livelihood for members of affected communities through the production and sale of the 3D printed shoes.The competition final was held in London on October 19th 2012, culminating in the first ever 3d Print Show in the world where Roy Ombatti was interviewed by the BBC News*.

Technology Students Association (TSA) is an association of all engineering students of Moi

University. This year’s theme of the sports day dubbed “peace sports day” was peace for development. The event was held on 10th November, 2012 at Moi University.Several matches were organized whose main objective was to bridge the gap between the three major stakeholders at Moi university namely the administration, the students and the community.On 9th November, 2012, engineering staff team led by the Dean, Prof. (Eng.) P. M. Wambua took on the students team led by Mr. Ramah Rugut, the Chairman T.S.A. The match ended in a penalty shoot out where the Dean scored a goal though the students won. The Dean bought a trophy, “Dean’s trophy” which is going to be defended each time there is a match. On Saturday 10th November, it was time to bond with the matatu touts and

TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION PEACE SPORTS DAY

The winning project came from the University of Washington in Seattle. Washington Open Object Fabricators (WOOF) won the challenge and the prize of $100,000 to help towards implementing their project. WOOF’s winning project will enable waste plastic to be used as filament for 3D printing machines, to create new products. The winning team plan to work with US based NGO, Water for Humans (WFH), to address local issues in water and sanitation in Oaxaca, Mexico.*Here’s a link to the BBC News Interview. h t t p : / / w w w. b b c . c o . u k / n e w s /technology-20047744

members of the community. The match was in pursuance of our prime objective of fostering peaceful co-existence between students, matatu operators and business owners at the Talai market. The peace soccer match, which was started by the area District Officer Mr. Katana Charo, on behalf of D.C Waren, Mr. Matata Seif, was very successful. The students won the long awaited mbuzi.Prior to the match, the Dean, School of engineering, Prof. (Eng.) P. M. Wambua led the DO, Divisional AP commander Kesses, local community representatives and students on a 400 metre peace run.Soon after lunch in the Dean’s Boardroom, the Dean chaired a meeting between the Local Administration (represented by the DO, the Divisional AP Commander, Kesses, Inspector Julius Kemboi, local community, Daima Initiative for Peace and Development-DIPAD representative, Mr. Vincent Enos, TSA officials, MU-84 Matatu Sacco officials, local athlete, Mr. Alfred Kirwa Yego and Mr. Philiph Boit, Kenyan Skier.I t was agreed that in future any misunderstanding between the students and the local community should be solved through peaceful means. Ramah Kipkorir RugutCha i rman, techno logy s tudents ’ association+254 728 59 59 00


IEK

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIONEng. J M Riungu ChairmanEng. M.Shiribwa MemberEng. R Chepkwony MemberEng. R K Kosgei MemberEng. M E Okonji Member

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEEEng. M E Okonji ChairmanEng. M Shiribwa MemberEng. S N Charagu MemberEng. Rosemary Kung’u MemberEng. W Okubo MemberEng. John Nyaguti Member

DISCIPLINE AND ARBITRATION COMMITTEEEng. Francis Ngokonyo MemberEng. Shem O Noah MemberEng. E Mwongera MemberEng. W Okubo Member

TRAINING COMMITTEEEng. J Riungu ChairmanEng. S Ouna SecretaryEng. C Ogut MemberEng. G. Njorohio MemberEng. P Okaka Member

JOURNAL COMMITTEE A A McCorkindale ChairmanF W Ngokonyo Vice-ChairmanN O Booker MemberJ N Kariuki MemberProf M Kashorda MemberS M Ngare MemberAllan Muhalia MemberA W Otsieno MemberS K Kibe MemberM Majiwa Member

WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENTEng. R Kosgei ChairmanEng. D M Wanjau MemberEng. J Riungu MemberEng. A Kosgei Member

INDUSTRIALIZATION AND DEVELOPMENTEng. H.S Amaje ChairmanEng. M.E .Okonji Vice Chair

POSITION NAMEChairman Eng. J M Riungu1st Vice Chairman Eng. R K Kosgei2nd Vice Chairman Eng. M E Okonji Hon. Secretary Eng. M ShiribwaHon. Treasurer Eng. R K ChepkwonyMember Eng. H J Nyaanga Member Eng. W R Okubo OGWMember Eng. R Kung’uMember Eng. C OgutMember Eng. H S AmajeMember Eng. J MutililiMember Eng. C JumaRetiring Past Chairman Eng. D M WanjauChairman Mombasa Branch Eng. Z AnganyaVice Chairman Mombasa Branch Eng. M OwuorBranch Sec/ Treasurer Mombasa Branch Eng. J O OdumbeChairman Western Branch Eng. P M WambuaVice Chairman Western Branch Eng. S K MahanuBranch Sec/Treasurer Western Kenya Eng. I Chebii

MEMBERS OF IEK COMMITTEES IEK COUNCIL

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kenya engineeer, january/february 2013

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