GE, Simba Corp deal targets mining sector with generators

An oil rig at Ngamia 1 in Turkana County. According to UNCTAD, the mining industry only accounts for one per cent of the continent’s workforce and is insufficient to promote economic growth. PHOTO | FILE 

By JOHN GACHIRI

In Summary

• Simba Corp is now the authorised distributor for the conglomerate’s diesel engine series.
• GE is targeting industrial and heavy users in the mining, oil, gas, large-scale real estate sectors requiring uninterrupted power during operations.
• For Simba Corp, the dealership is expected to consolidate its energy business.

General Electric (GE) has signed a distribution deal with Simba Corp for diesel generators targeting the growing mining sector.

Simba Corp is now the authorised distributor for the conglomerate’s diesel engine series.

“With our agreement with Simba Corporation, we are taking another important step forward in our strategy to expand the deployment of our distributed power technologies in Kenya and throughout Africa to boost the production of cleaner, more reliable energy,” said GE sub-Saharan Africa leader for distributed power business George Njenga.

GE is targeting industrial and heavy users in the mining, oil, gas, large-scale real estate sectors requiring uninterrupted power during operations.

The US conglomerate is in wind energy having signed a contract in July to supply 60 wind turbines for the 100 megawatt Kipeto wind power project.

The Kipeto, Kajiado, deal was worth $155 million (Sh16 billion).

For Simba Corp, the dealership is expected to consolidate its energy business.

“Simba Corporation’s power division has been a player in the power sector for over 15 years. We are therefore excited to sign this agreement…for GE’s 616, 228 and 250 diesel engine product lines,” said Simba Corp chief executive Adil Popat.

GE said it chose Simba Colt due to the company’s country-wide network and other resources.

“Simba Corp offers greater access to key industrial sectors in the country and has the financial resources to provide customers with needed energy solutions,” said GE.
Simba Corp becomes the second distributor in Africa to be signed by GE.

Some power users are still not benefiting from additional power added to the national grid due to a lack of investment in the transmission and distribution of electricity, which results in frequent interruptions.

Listed utility Kenya Power has in the past said it would put more focus on grid stabilisation by upgrading sub-stations.