Sh90 million power supply upgrade in Meru County to begin

From left, Kenya Power Mt Kenya Region Manager David Mwaniki, Chief Executive Officer Ben Chumo, Governor Peter Munya and county officials during a meeting on November 16, 2014 at the county headquarters. Tuesday, the company’s workers are expected to begin a power system upgrade in the region. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Kenya Power Chief Executive Ben Chumo said about 10,000 residents of Machaka, a large rural slum, would benefit from power supply.
  • For industries to prosper, electricity supply must be stable, Mr Munya told the chief executive.

People living in informal settlements in Meru County are among those targeted to benefit from a Sh90 million electricity supply system upgrade.

Kenya Power Chief Executive Ben Chumo said about 10,000 residents of Machaka, a large rural slum, would benefit from power supply.

Mr Chumo said the upgrade, which has been undertaken in 24 counties so far, would enhance the quality and reliability of electricity supply across the county.

“We have a high concentration of customers in Meru and this massive investment will cut down erratic power supply due to the frequent outages.”

He made the remarks when he met Governor Peter Munya at the county headquarters on Sunday.

Tuesday, Kenya Power employees are expected to begin working on power stations and installing new supply lines in and outside Meru Town.

At the end of the upgrade, Mr Chumo said, 1,000 new customers will be connected to electricity.

He said the demand for electricity had increased rapidly, hence Kenya Power officials would hold meetings with the Council of Governors to discuss how to efficiently distribute power across the 47 counties.

For industries to prosper, electricity supply must be stable, Mr Munya told the chief executive.