We're working to reduce power blackouts - CS

Wandayi said his ministry is working hard to ensure there will be no unusual power outages

by ALICE WAITHERA

Realtime20 December 2024 - 21:46

In Summary

The CS said the frequency of the blackouts has reduced and that the turn-around time to have electricity restored has also gone down.
He cited the black-out experienced in some parts of the country on the morning of December 18, which he said was reverted within three hours.

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Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has sought to assure Kenyans that the government is making efforts to manage blackouts experienced in the country in the recent past.

The CS said the frequency of the blackouts has reduced and that the turn-around time to have electricity restored has also gone down.

He cited the black-out experienced in some parts of the country on the morning of December 18, which he said was reverted within a short time.

“I am impressed that power was restored within three hours. The black-out was caused by a technical hitch in the Tanzania-Kenya inter-connector and it only affected some parts of the country,” Wandayi said.

According to a press statement released by Kenya Power, only parts of the Western and North Rift regions were not affected by the black-out that occurred at midnight.

Wandayi said his ministry, together with the Kenya Power and Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) is working hard to ensure there will be no unusual power outages in the country.

“Kenyans should rest assured that that there will be no unusual power outages and if it happens once in a while, power will be restored within the shortest time possible. We have the capacity and the know-how,” he added.

*A Yatta resident newly connected to power switches the lights on in her home with Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and REREC CEO Rose Mkalama*

He spoke in the Yatta constituency during the commissioning and launch of several power projects implemented by REREC.

REREC’s CEO Rose Mkalama said over Sh53 million has been invested in power projects in the constituency in a bid to raise the number of households covered.

“When these projects are complete, they will connect over 4,000 households to power. We are also undertaking survey and design in all constituencies to ensure we get ready to connect households to power as fast as possible when funds are allocated by the government,” Mkalama said.

Area MP Robert Basil on his part noted that only 20 per cent of his constituency is connected to electricity, challenging the ministry to expedite power projects.

“This area is lagging. We have 20 per cent connectivity in 635 villages. Today, we have received a great gift from the Ministry and my appeal is that the remaining over 600 villages are also factored,” he said.

He urged the government to consider lowering taxes imposed on electricity to make it accessible to low-earning Kenyans and provide a conducive environment for investors to conduct their businesses.