This archive report was first published on 30 October 2019.
Kenya Power has made a surprising U-turn in its approach to electricity supply, with the company now expressing interest in buying Eucalyptus trees for its projects.
According to a public notice published on October 29, 2019, the firm invited commercial tree farmers to tender for the supply of mature Eucalyptus trees, which will be processed into electricity poles.
Kenya Power stated in the notice: "We are conducting a survey to determine the availability of mature raw Eucalyptus trees for use in the ongoing and upcoming power transmission and distribution projects."
This development is a welcome relief to Eucalyptus farmers who have suffered significant losses in recent years due to a decrease in demand for wooden poles.
Kenya Power is now seeking mature Eucalyptus trees from farmers with plantations of 10 years or more, covering an area of over one hectare.
