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What are the practical possibilities
for small-scale enterprise in Mbuiru?
The section examines the potential of the energy
intervention for removing constraints on the achievement of people's
livelihood priorities. The community will not be in a position to
use electricity from the scheme for lighting their homes via a direct
distribution system due to legislative restrictions on the sale
of power.
As stated earlier, Kenya Power and Lighting Company is
the only body authorised to transmit and distribute power. Any other
party that generates power can sell it to Kenya Power and Lighting
Company, unless the generated power is for the exclusive use of
the generating body. They will, however, be able to use electricity
for charging batteries to provide light and powering, for example,
TVs and radios. Electricity from the hydropower scheme will be transmitted
to the commercial and social centre.
The intention is that the community
will run several micro-enterprises. Provided markets are thoroughly
researched and business plans made, these enterprises could help
provide people with new capabilities, including technological capabilities,
and generate income, reducing community vulnerability. The availability
of power is expected to trigger demand for training, especially
in technical areas such as welding and machine operation, as well
as business management and bookkeeping. Recalling the projected
14 kW limit to power as a guide to possible combinations of activities,
enterprises earmarked as possibilities include:
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Hand weaving, tailoring and basket
making. The provision of electric light would increase the hours
that could be spent on theses activities or the flexibility
of operating times. The estimated power demand is only around
200 Watts. |
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Oil
processing. Pressing sunflower seeds to produce oil and 'cake'
(for livestock feed) is potentially a very lucrative business.
Estimated power demand from 3 to 10kW, depending on scale of
production. |
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Flour grinding/ milling. A mill
powered by micro-hydro generated electricity is expected to
provide a better, cheaper service than the current diesel-powered
mill. Power demand of possible mills ranges from 3 to 10kW
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Battery charging. There is a growing
market for charging batteries as more and more people come to
own TVs, hi-fi, radios and cassette players. Customers for this
service may come from as far afield as Marimanti, 20 km away.
Power demand is 1kW or less.
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Refrigeration for Health Centres.
A potential commercial option for the community scheme. There
are two health centres within 2 km of the proposed site from
where power will be transmitted. The power requirement of each
clinic ranges from 3 to 12kW |
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Tobacco curing. This is an option
for using excess energy generated when the load factor is low,
especially at night. It is technically more efficient to locate
the curing facility near the powerhouse. Power available will
depend on the plant load factor. |
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Irrigation. This is a service
that can only be carried out if there is sufficient surplus
water. Irrigation schemes require licensing by the Government
(for river water extraction). Water could be pumped to irrigate
adjacent farms and kitchen gardens and thus increase food production
for consumption or sale. The estimated power required is 1kW
or less. |
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Micro-enterprises. Welding, wood-work
shops, barbers shops and telephone booths have all been suggested
as possibilities. Power required is up to 5kW. |
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Water pumping for drinking water
supply. Planning ahead, Mbuiru community are installing pipes
in anticipation of the micro-hydro scheme. Water pumping requires
less than 5kW |
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Apart from the enterprises themselves, secondary - or spin-off
- employment is likely in the processing, packaging and distribution
of goods, as well as in supply and support services. For new enterprises
to be successful, Mbuiru community will be obliged to interact with
government institutions, organisations and the private sector in
order to meet legislative demands, produce goods of the appropriate
quality to suit markets, and for diverse other reasons. Such interaction,
provided it is supported in the initial stages, is expected to develop
and empower community institutions and organisations themselves.
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