The Geothermal Development company(GDC) has revealed plans to develop a multi-million health spa at its Menengai Geothermal fields. This move will enable the firm to tap into the expanding tourism market. The company has invited suitably qualified firms and consortiums to submit an Expression of Interest(EOI) to participate in an upcoming bidding exercise for a feasibility study of a geothermal heat swimming pool and spa complex.
The health spa is expected to significantly boost the number of tourists visiting nearby attractions such as Lake Nakuru National Park among other tourist attraction sites in Nakuru. When completed , the spa will will be the second geothermal spa in Kenya after the first one built in the Naivasha Olkaria steam fields by KenGen.
“Blue Lagoon is something we’re looking to replicate at Menengai.One of GDC’s mandate is to promote alternative or “direct” use of geothermal energy. We envision geothermal-heated pools and spas here for leisure, recreation, wellness and eco-tourism. The project will also add a revenue stream to our geothermal sites,” said Mr Ngugi.
The Menengai geothermal spa is expected to consist of several interconnected lagoons, as sauna and steam bath. The sauna will be designed to use brine-running water in naked pipes at 150 degrees celcius and the heat generated raising the temperature of the room designated in sauna. The project will also host a geological and a geothermal centre documenting the development of geothermal resources in Kenya as well as progression of global technology for converting steam into economic activities.
According to experts, steam bathing softens the skin, reduces cholesterol and slows down aging. The hot brine is known to contain antibacterial chemicals that heal skin diseases and rashes.
