Geothermal Development Company chief executive Johnson Ole Nchoe’s term ended on April 10 but was extended by Energy CS Charles Keter by one more year.
This was despite the board’s “poor” score and a NO verdict when he sought a further three years in the company that is supposed to develop steam fields and selling geothermal steam for electricity generation to KenGen and to private investors.
“At the 172nd Special General Meeting of the Board of Directors held at Kawi House on February 18, the board resolved to recommend to you that his term NOT to be renewed as per a copy of the resolution annexed hereto,” a letter dated February 25 to CS Keter reads.
The board instead wanted Nchoe’s replacement found as soon as possible but their resolution overridden by the minister.
“The board proposes to commence the exercise of recruitment of a replacement as soon as possible and seeks your direction in the matter,” the letter by board members read in part.
“The board spoke, but the CS had a final word that was contrary to the resolution of the directors,” s director is quoted by Business Daily.
Kahawa Tungu understands that while Nchoe’s interests were served, those of political players were also satisfied.
A local weekly publication alleges that the former IT and telecoms chief manager at Kenya Power is serving interests of high ranking Jubilee Party politicians most of whom are close to a very senior politician in Jubilee.
Having unsuccessfully contested for the Narok gubernatorial seat in 2013, Nchoe’s eye is trained at the 2022 general election with the help of the politician.
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It has also been said that he has in the past influenced tender awards to certain politicians specially those in the ruling party.
Rumours are also rife that Nchoe, whose term now expires after his sixtieth birthday, has aided an unnamed CS bed women in the name of tender awards.
He took over the parastatal at the behest of President Uhuru Kenyatta on April 1, 2016.
It is at this time when GDC lost Sh1.4 billion to a Chinese firm, Hong Kong Offshore Oil Services Limited (HOOSL).
The company was contracted by GDC to drill 15 to 20 geothermal wells in Bogoria-Silali in Baringo in April 2016.
The geo-wells were supposed to create jobs for millions of unemployed youths.
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