Energy CS Davis Chirchir has issued a stark warning about another possible nationwide power blackout, asserting that the recent blackout experienced by Kenyans was the result of an overload in the Kisumu-Muhoroni power line.
In a press briefing on Monday, Chirchir disclosed that a transmission constraint occurred on Sunday, compelling the entire power system to shut down.
The CS explained the root cause, stating, "There was an overload at the power line, which felt threatened and it tripped, cascading down to the rest of the country."
He revealed that the affected line, designed to carry 80MW, was operating at 149MW during the time of the blackout, emphasizing the strain on the national power infrastructure.
Chirchir outlined a strategic plan to address the underlying issues, citing the construction of a new substation and a 90 km line between Narok and Bomet.
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This initiative, funded by the African Development Bank and Japan, aims to alleviate the burden on the Muhoroni-Kisumu line and prevent recurrent power outages.
"We will build a new 33KV line between Narok and Bomet to prevent constant power outages. We will have reduced overload lines to prevent plunging the country into darkness," Chirchir affirmed, outlining a 20-month timeline for the project's completion.
Highlighting the urgency of investment, Chirchir cautioned that without appropriate measures, the nation is at risk of facing another nationwide blackout.
He attributed the recent blackout to a lack of substantial upgrades in the electricity system over the past six years.
In response to the challenges faced by the government in maintaining a stable power supply, Chirchir proposed several mitigations.
These include the construction of alternative power lines, such as the Olkaria-Narok-Bomet-Awendo route, to support transmission to Western Kenya.
The CS disclosed that funding from South Korea and the African Development Bank is secured for the project, currently in the tender stage.
Furthermore, plans to improve supply stations in areas such as Lessos, Kimuka near Kikuyu, and Malaa, intended to serve the Nairobi north line, are in progress.
Chirchir also underscored the government's commitment to implementing battery energy storage systems for enhanced voltage stability.
In a bid to expedite infrastructure development, the CS announced the exploration of Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs).
"We are now bringing in the PPP to build some of the networks. It will relieve KETRACO from looking for funding from the government and having the challenges we have had," Chirchir stated
While acknowledging that power blackouts are likely to recur, Chirchir assured the public that comprehensive maintenance measures are underway.
"We know where the problem is, and we are addressing those challenges. The least of it is the lack of investment in the network for a long time," he said.
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