Kenya Power to invest Sh1.63b to boost North Rift supply

Kenya Power has set aside Ksh 1.63 billion to finance various projects aimed at strengthening the distribution network in North Rift region, to provide adequate and reliable power supply.

The ongoing projects, targeted to be completed by the end of 2018, include construction of new substations and associated distribution lines and upgrading of existing infrastructure.

The investment is in line with the company’s strategy to support economic growth by ensuring that quality and electricity supply is accessible to all by 2020.

North Rift region is served by two main lines: Turkwel-Lessos and Olkaria-Lessos, which have proven not sufficient with growing demand from both domestic and commercial customers.

“To address the situation, we have constructed a number of substations and additional distribution lines to serve the region. Six of these substations have been completed and the remaining are scheduled for completion this year,” said Kenya Power’s Managing Director & CEO Dr Ken Tarus.

He was speaking in Eldoret during an engagement forum with large power customers, that was held jointly with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).

North Rift region consumes averagely 30GWh every month. The region is expected to consume more electricity especially with the setting up of the proposed industrial zone. Kenya Power is planning to construct a 66kV substation to serve the industrial zone.

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Last month, Kenya Power also announced that it will spend Ksh 1.5 billion to implement various projects aimed at improving power supply in Kisumu and the wider Western and Southern Nyanza region.