Kenya Tea Development Agency Power (KTDA Power) Company Limited, the power generation company of one of the largest private tea management agencies in Kenya, has received a grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). As one of the largest global exporters of black tea, Kenya experiences high energy costs, with poor power at numerous tea factories across the country. The grant received aims to support a feasibility study on the power requirements of KTDA factories.
K&M Advisors LLC, Chevy Chase, MD, will coordinate the feasibility study. This project will provide KTDA Power with access to more reliable energy source, different from Kenya’s national grid, while also reducing operating costs at tea factories.
USTDA’s Director, Congressional and Public Affairs, Thomas R. Hardy said that, “We are pleased to continue our partnership with KTDA Power on a project that will support the goals of Electrify Africa. At the same time, this project will create new opportunities for U.S. businesses looking to work in Kenya.”
“We are excited to work with K&M Advisors to bring solar renewable generation to our tea factories. We look forward to building on our previous success with USTDA, which resulted in the development of three operational hydropower projects and an additional seven projects that are at an advanced stage of implementation,” said Lerionka S. Tiampati, the CEO of KTDA Holdings Limited.
President of K&M Advisors, Alfonso Guzman, stated that, “K&M is honored to have been selected as advisor to KTDA Power on this project and looks forward to helping Kenyan tea farmers expand their use of renewable energy. K&M is also pleased to continue its successful collaboration with USTDA to promote U.S. exports to Kenya.”
Mr. Hardy signed the grant at the AmCham ‘Big Four’ Summit with Japheth Bulali Sayi, the General Manager at KTDA Power. Also present at the signing was CEO of KTDA Holdings Limited, Lerionka S. Tiampati.
