Kenya Power will install 20 new transformers in North Coast by the end of June in a bid to stabilise electricity supply in the area and address frequent outages.
This is part of a major project that the company is undertaking to address supply challenges that customers in North Coast have been experiencing.
Other activities meant to enhance reliability of supply will involve cutting and pruning of trees near power lines, replacement of broken insulators, jumper rehabilitation and reconductoring high and medium voltage lines.
The project will also involve installation of new low and medium voltage lines to ease pressure on the network in North Coast as well as upgrading of the existing transformers and distribution lines.
“The current situation has been brought about by a long period of under investment in the electricity sector. To address the supply challenges currently being faced by our customers, we intend to set aside Sh13 billion in the next financial year to maintain the existing infrastructure across the country, up from Sh11 billion that was budgeted for this financial year,” said Kenya Power’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ben Chumo.
He was addressing members of the North Coast Ratepayers & Residents Association during a customer engagement forum held at the Tamarind Hotel in Mombasa.
Kenya Power’s General Manager for Network Management, Daniel Tare, said that the company will also carry out maintenance on high voltage lines in the area to address supply challenges.
“Our focus will be on the Nyali and Shanzu substations and 12 high voltage lines serving the North Coast area where we intend to carry out intensive maintenance. We will also improve the base generation at the Coast region to between 100 and 120 MW,” said Eng Tare.