Sh86bn to boost power firm output
Kenya Power plans to spend Sh86 billion to upgrade its electricity distribution infrastructure countrywide over the next three years.
According to company chief executive Ben Chumo, planned projects include construction of new substations and power lines, and enhancement of existing network.
This will go towards ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
“Availability of adequate power supply is critical to industrial and commercial investors in the devolved system of government. That is why the government is driving the initiative to increase power supply,” Dr Chumo said.
Reliable supply
The power company boss spoke during the commissioning of a new substation in Thika, Kiambu County.
The latest substation was built at a cost of Sh642 million.
The company has invested Sh4.5 billion towards construction of substations in Githunguri, Gatundu, Rironi, JKUAT, Dagoretti, Lower Kabete and Magumu areas.
The announcement comes after the Jubilee government launched a plan in September last year to increase local electricity production by 5,000 megawatts in 40 months.
The ambitious plan will significantly raise the installed generation capacity, currently estimated to be about 1,600 megawatts.
This demands reliable infrastructure to distribute power to consumers.