The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) yesterday said that it is looking for a joint venture partner to build a Sh56 billion (US$698 million) coal-fired power plant, The Standard reports.

In spite of the global economic crisis, KenGen is struggling to keep up with demand for electricity in Kenya.

KenGen is seeking a partner to establish a 300 MW coal-fired plant under a 25 year build, own, operate and transfer arrangement. It is also looking for port landing facilities and an interconnection facility to the existing power grid.

According to KenGen the joint venture partner will own a 60% stake in the project which is going to be built in the Dongo Kundu area of Mombasa port.

Bids for the project will be opened on 10 April 2009.