Nyanza is set to benefit from massive power transmission projects and internet connection from the government to promote industrialisation and ensure realisation of affordable health care in the region.
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) board Chairman Mr James Rege on October 15 said the company is set to supply power and internet to four Nyanza Counties including Migori, Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay to fast-track development.
He said fibre optic cables will be laid to speed up internet connection which will also be used in health research, data storage and patient-doctor communication or telemedicine.
Rege said Nyanza has in the past lagged behind in power and internet connectivity which according to him has hampered development.
Speaking during a prayer service at the African Inland Church (AIC) in Homa Bay Town, Rege said the company has completed the construction of sub stations which will facilitate the success of the projects.
“The entire work will take an average of four months depending on the pace of contractors,” he said.
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In Homa Bay County, KETRACO has completed the construction of Ndhiwa substation at Ongeng’ which will supply power to the entire South Nyanza. The substation will source its power from Sondu Miriu geothermal power plant in Kisumu County.
“From Sondu, the station will receive power of up to 200 kW. Kenya Power and Rural Electrification Authority (REA) will then supply it to the house hold levels at 66 kw to 33 kW. The power will be enough to be used in industries in Homa Bay, Karachuonyo, Mbita, Sori and other towns within south Nyanza,” said Mr Rege.
The station currently has a power line from Awendo in Migori County to stabilize power distribution in Homa Bay.
The KETRACO boss said another substation in Kibos will supply power to towns in Siaya and Kisumu counties. The station will source its power from Olkaria Geothermal Plant.
“The projects will enable the region to have stable power supply. At the moment, construction of high voltage towers which supply power from generation plants to sub stations is ongoing,” said Mr Rege.
He assured residents whose land will be used in the construction of the projects that they will be compensated on time.
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Elsewhere, KETRACO has completed the 432 kilometer Turkana-Narok High Voltage Line
“KETRACO completed the project by the end of August this year. Its power source will be wind power generated from Lake Turkana. The project generates 310 megawatts,” said Mr Rege.
The line will supply power to towns around Nairobi and Mombasa.
Rege further said that the company will use high voltage power lines while laying internet fibre cables.
“This project will enable KETRACO help the government achieve one of the pillars in the Big Four Agenda, universal health care,” said Rege.
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