Kenya Power has assured its customers that the frequent power outages being experienced in the country will be permanently dealt with within the next two months.
“In the last four months, we have had a sharp decline in the blackouts and soon enough they will be brought to nil,” Energy Chief Administrative Secretary, Zachary Ayieko said at Dr Babla School in Kwale where he launched a stand-alone Solar Home Systems and clean cooking solutions for households.
According to him, the government is determined to stabilize the power supply and minimize blackouts, noting that interventions so far put in place have seen power outages drop by 50 per cent.
Mr Ayieko said measures are already in place for prompt rectification of faults, replacement of fallen and decayed poles and enhanced responses to emergencies to ensure constant power supply.
He said Kenya Power has been sufficiently funded to deal with electricity supply challenges on time.
He explained that a reliable power supply is a key to Kenya’s economic growth.
“Dependable power connectivity is a win-win for both KPLC and consumers hence massive development,” he said.
“The CAS said electricity plays a crucial role and affects various communication, industrialization and business activities,” he said.
“Fewer outages mean active businesses and more money,” he added.
Mr Ayieko said energy remains to be one of the key enablers of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the ‘Big Four Agenda’ which includes manufacturing as a key pillar.”
He said Kenya has made tremendous efforts in providing clean, reliable and affordable electricity, adding that Kenya currently enjoys 75 per cent electricity connectivity.
He said the target is to achieve 100 per cent connectivity by 2026 with the focus being on marginalized counties where connectivity is still low.
He said through the Kenya Off-grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), the government targets to reach 459,821 households accounting for 2.4 million people while another 55,671 households will receive electricity through solar power.
KOSAP, a national government flagship project aims at expanding electricity connectivity and clean cooking solutions in the off-grid, low density and traditionally underserved areas of the country.
It is currently focused on Turkana, West Pokot, Kwale, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Narok, Marsabit, Samburu and Lamu counties.
The Sh15 billion project is funded by the World Bank, in partnership with the national government.
Mr Ayieko said the promotion of clean energy would reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contributes to environmental pollution.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com