Following a steep drop of water levels at Sondu Miriu hydro-power plant, residents of western Kenya have been warned of a looming power shortage in the region.
Pundits say the drop has been occasioned by the prevailing dry season witnessed in the country and has weighed down on the power plants which feeds 60MW of electricity into the national power grid.
According to Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Charles Keter, the plant was operating at half capacity due to the dwindled water levels.
“Because of the low water levels, I have learned that they start generating power at during the afternoons. This is why we are experiencing frequent power outages,” said the CS.
He warned that the trend could continue until the long rainy season starts adding that other hydro power generation plants across the country were experiencing the same shortage.
The CS explained that operations at the Muhoroni Diesel Station have been stepped up to bridge the shortage and reduce the frequent blackouts.
CS Keter disclosed that the government was set to award a tender to construct a new line from Bomet to Narok to tap into the geo-thermal power from Olkaria.
He confirmed that the line from Olkaria to Narok, had already been completed adding that once the Bomet to Narok one is completed it will stabilize power in the western region.
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