Kenya Power in Sh1.5bn project to stabilize western Kenya power

Electricity distributor Kenya Power is investing Sh1.5 billion in a power stabilization project in Nyanza and Western Kenya.

The project will involve the installation of additional transformers and repair of existing sub stations to curb power outages that have affected power supply in the regions.

Kenya Power managing director Ken Tarus says the investment in the distribution infrastructure will ensure that customers are supplied from various points to minimize outages.

“Industries and domestic customers around this region are not getting what they expected because of the challenge of distribution and transmission lines. Once we complete those initiatives we expect that we will see an upsurge in demand courtesy of the stability in supply coming to this region,” Mr Tarus said.

Manufacturers in western Kenya and parts of Nyanza have long complained of erratic power supply that has made goods in the region more expensive.

Despite having an installed capacity of 2,650 megawatts, peak demand is estimated at 1,770 megawatts with some manufactures forced to invest in alternative power generation units to guarantee reliable electricity supply.

Part of the funds will be used for the installation of additional transformers in Kisumu South, Chemelil, Muhoroni, Sibembe and Bukembe substations to cope with growing power demand.

Kenya Power said it’s focused on optimizing the energy mix by ensuring that more renewable energy is absorbed to reduce reliance on thermal electricity and lower the fuel cost charge.

Through a partnership with the Kenya Association of Manufactures, Mr Tarus said Kenya Power would regularly engage large power consumers through dedicated channels which include Whatsapp groups.

“We will continue engaging with them through the mechanism we have created such as the Whatsapp groups so that every so often we pick up the issues and challenges they experience,” he said.

Approximately, 60 percent of Kenya Power’s revenue from sale of electricity is from large power consumers.