The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has revived the Muhoroni gas turbine plant to stabilize power supply in the western region.
This has injected an additional 60 megawatts into the national grid bringing to an end perennial power blackouts in the area.
Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi said the move was part of the government’s wider plan to stabilize supply in the region to spur economic development.
Speaking during a tour of the Sondu-Miriu power plant in Kisumu county, the CS said the government was undertaking major projects to scale up power generation and supply in the region.
He pointed out the construction of Sondu-Ndhiwa line which is in formative stages saying once completed it will scale up supply in the area for domestic and industrial use.
The Awendo-Masaba power line, he said, has been completed and will be powered soon to serve thousands of households in the area.
Plans to upgrade Gogo Power Station in Migori county from 2 megawatts to 8.6 megawatts, he said were at an advanced stage with the construction of a modern Sub-Station at Thurdibuoro set to guarantee uninterrupted power supply.
“We now have a total installed capacity of 3,200 megawatts in the country. Our visit here today is routine as we seek to modernise our infrastructure to scale up generation and stabilize supply,” he said.
Wandayi further announced plans to establish an irrigation scheme on lower River Miriu in Kisumu to scale up food production.
The CS said the irrigation component was part of the Sondu Miriu Power plant but has not been actualized.
His ministry, he said, was bringing together the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and the county government of Kisumu to see how best to fast track the project.
“This initiative is going to greatly improve the economy of this area. That is why in the spirit of one government we are bringing together all the relevant departments and agencies to ensure that it takes off,” he said.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili said the Irrigation project was at the heart of the county government adding that the support from the ministry and other stakeholders to actualize it was welcome.
Most of the food consumed in Kisumu, he added, comes from other regions adding that once the irrigation project takes off the area will become food sufficient.
By Chris Mahandara