Energy CS Wandayi says blackouts caused by old transmission lines

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has revealed plans by the government to modernize the electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure in the country.

CS Wandayi, speaking on Tuesday when he visited KenGen’s Olkaria geothermal fields, said the move will serve to fix some of the challenges that have plagued the energy sector for decades.

According to the CS, some of these challenges include the frequent nationwide power blackouts, which have drawn the ire of Kenyans especially over the past couple of weeks.

He noted that the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has been tasked to upgrade its infrastructure in an efficient yet still cost-effective manner.

He noted that this, besides reducing the outages, will also ensure that power is provided to Kenyans at relatively lower prices.

“Once power has been generated in a cost-effective manner by KenGen and other players, we have to again look at the most cost-effective way of transmitting it. And as we’re aware, the ministry and the government, is really focused on modernizing our transmission infrastructure through KETRACO,” stated Wandayi.

“A number of projects are lined up, some are in progress, to ensure that evacuation and transmission process is cost-effective and efficient. We’re again working with Kenya Power in terms of modernizing the distribution infrastructure. We are clear in our minds that once we do all this, we shall be in a position to deliver power to Kenyans at affordable rates.”

The Energy CS went ahead to reassure Kenyans that, in the event of blackouts, his ministry will endeavour to move with speed and restore power within the shortest timeline possible.

“Some of these blackouts emanate from the infrastructure that we have along the chain. And once we make these improvements that we’re making, it will go a long way in addressing that,” he said.

“But, more importantly, because technical hitches do happen…and they’re bound to happen from time to time…what we’re doing as a ministry together with our entities is to ensure that if and when such an eventuality happens that we have a blackout, that we respond to the situation as fast as possible.”