Kenya is Africa’s largest tea producer and the biggest exporter of tea in the world. However, tea processing is usually energy-intensive and the energy needed is often obtained from freshly cut wood. This is highly inefficient and harmful for the environment. It is with this regard that Strathmore University Energy Research Centre (SERC) has partnered with Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to promote Energy Efficiency in the Food Sector. The launch of the program took place on 14^th April, 2016. The program will run from April 2016 to March 2018.

 

The project is set to improve the conditions for sustainable energy use in the agriculture and food sector through focusing on boosting productivity while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural value chains.

 

The project is financed under the BMZ budget title ‘International Cooperation with Regions for Sustainable Development’. The project represents Germany’s contribution to the global initiative, Powering Agriculture – An Energy Grand Challenge for Development’ (PAEGC). The aim of this initiative is to promote the development and upscaling of innovative market-based approaches to the use of low-carbon energy technologies in the agriculture sector in developing countries and emerging economies.

 

Key activities under the project will include: awareness creation, training on energy management, energy audits, promotion of adoption of energy conservation measures and knowledge-sharing. The training and energy audits will be availed at subsidized rates to selected participating facilities and individuals. 

 

GIZ’s goal is to support new and sustainable approaches to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy solutions for increasing agriculture production and/or value in developing countries.

 

Interested trainees will need to have the following to qualify;

• Degree in engineering, agriculture and environment related courses.

• Work experience of more than 3 years in industry/organisation in a middle management position, preferably in processing, maintenance and projects.

• Demonstrated interest in energy management based on previous work or professional examples.

• At least 30% should be from either gender

• Willingness to share knowledge

 

 

To apply for the program, fill an application form found on the SERC website here.