Project Detail

Baraani Micro-Hydro Power Project

There is significant potential for micro-hydro systems to meet the energy needs of rural and remote communities in Kenya. The project is located in the Baraani catchment area on the slopes of Mt. Kenya. The main objective/goal is to introduce a renewable energy source in form of Micro-Hydro Power to the communities and to provide electricity to 150 households and some enterprises. Less fuel wood usage will reduce local deforestation, thereby reducing environmental damage such as loss of biodiversity and soil erosion. The project activities include: the construction of a power house, the purchase of a turbine system, the purchase of step-up and step-down transformers, training sessions for the project management committee and for the wider Baraani community, and the plantation of indigenous trees along the river.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

BARAANI Self Help Group

Country:

Kenya

Area Of Work:

Climate Change Mitigation

Operational Phase:

Phase 2

Grant Amount:

US$ 50,000.00

Co-Financing Cash:

Co-Financing in-Kind:

Project Number:

KEN UNF-GEF/03/04

Start Date:

2/2004

End Date:

1/2010

Status:

Project Terminated Before Completion

Project Characteristics and Results

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

N/A

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

Since the communities previously depended on firewood for lighting and cooking, the installation of electrical connections will reduce the use of such fossil fuel power, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Because the local watershed will prove to be the source of power, the community members are more interested in protecting the forest and its biodiversity

Notable Community Participation

The community will contribute in kind to form skilled labour (Mason and Carpenters), casual labor and the community input required. Besides that it has raised the cash requirements for building the power house, some pipes, cables and poles. In total the community will contribute Kshs 2,200,000 (US$ 29,333) in cash and kind.

Gender Focus

The project is targeting all groups; men, women and the youth. Women will be relieved from collecting firewood and carrying it, as well as water over very difficult terrain. This will have a positive impact on family health and create valuable time for other important activities, such as income generating and learning activities. Children in these homes will also benefit from having light in the house to study and do homework, moreover those households with increased incomes may now be able to afford school fees.

Capacity - Building Component

The project will build the capacity of the local community to construct, maintain and repair a micro-hydro power system. It will also establish the capacity to manage and operate a power scheme. Besides that they will learn about the link between micro-hydro power and protection of local forests since they are interested in preserving the watershed as a source of power.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

The running of micro-enterprises will provide an increased income to certain households, and provide local services. Community members will therefore save time and money, which was previously spent on traveling large distances to obtain these services.

Project Results

When completed, the project will provide a renewable energy source in form of Micro-Hydro Power to the communities and to provide electricity to 150 households and some enterprises. This will result in less fuel wood usage and reduce local deforestation, thereby reducing environmental damage such as loss of biodiversity and soil erosion. The water catchment will also be rehabilitated through tree-planting and then protected to ensure water flow in the river and the ability to produce hydroelectric power.

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Indicators

Biophysical

Number of innovations or new technologies developed / applied 1

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