Aggreko has signed an amendment to extend the existing 100MW temporary power contract with Kenya Generating Company Ltd (KenGen) for a further two years.

The amended contract will extend both the 60MW Aggreko power plant in Embakassi and the 40MW power plant in Eldoret until the end of 2009.

Aggreko is the world leader in the provision of temporary power and temperature control solutions.

The original 100MW contract, running successfully for the past 18 months, has provided additional generating capacity to support the national grid and power for industry in Kenya, said an official spokesman.

Following the droughts which had limited the amount of hydro-electric power generation, East Africa had experienced severe power shortages prior to installing the Aggreko temporary power solution.

While rainfall has increased over the last year, KenGen have taken the decision to extend the contract with Aggreko to ensure that Kenya's rapid economic development continues to receive the power required to sustain this growth.

"The demand for electricity in Kenya continues to rise. As a direct result of the productive partnership between KenGen and Aggreko, together with the efficient way Aggreko has managed the temporary power contract, we have not had to ration power in Kenya," said managing director of KenGen ," Edward Njoroge.

"Due to the fact that no power rationing has taken place and because of the increasing demand for electricity we have taken the decision to extend Aggreko's contract for a further 2 year period," he added.

"By extending the temporary power contract KenGen have taken proactive measures to sustain the country's short and long-term economic growth. We are delighted to continue our partnership with KenGen and support the people of Kenya," said CEO of Aggreko Rupert Soames.- TradeArabia News Service