The government is committed to lowering the cost of power in the country, CS energy Charles Keter has said.
Keter said the government is investing more in solar power plants which will bring the cost of fuel from 30 cents to 0.5.
In terms of development of renewableenergy sources, Rural Electrification Authority[REA]is currently implementing25 solar mini-grids to power small towns in off grid areas of Mandera, WajirGarissa, Marsabit, and Turkana Keter Said.
Speaking in Raya, Garissa county during an inspection tour of the Sh.13 billion solar power plant on Wednesday, Keter said that already the government has commissioned 4 new solar plants to supplement the hydro power as part of wider scheme to reduce the cost of power generationin the country.
He said although a solar energy is nota 24 hour generating project, the government is exploring other forms oftechnology where solar batteries will be used alongside the solar panels toensure that power is generated on a 24-hour basis.
“We as a government are determined tolower the cost of power. That is why we are going for cheap and cost effective power projects,” said Keter.
The government is lookingfor funds to finance power projects in off grid areas to ensure that Kenyansacross the country have access to power.
Keter who was accompanied by top officials from REA said that he was impressed by the work of the contractor and it will be commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 24.
The solar power plant which is thebiggest in east and central Africa and which sits on an 80-acre pieceof land.
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