Chumo added that Kenya Power had carried out similar exercises in over forty areas countrywide at a total cost of Sh2.5 billion/FILE
The power firm’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ben Chumo, said that the project is part of a major countrywide exercise known as Boresha Stima Viwandani which involves conducting master repair works at existing substations and upgrading power lines.
Chumo added that Kenya Power had carried out similar exercises in over forty areas countrywide at a total cost of Sh2.5 billion.
The power infrastructure refurbishment program, which commenced in April 2014, has seen a marked improvement in the delivery of services from the utility.
Acknowledging the increased demand for power in the area, Chumo said that Kenya Power was working with various financial institutions to develop appropriate loan facilities to assist Kenyans to pay for new connections.
The power firm, he explained, had negotiated with Jamii Bora Bank, Equity Bank, National Bank as well as Stima Savings and Credit Cooperative to provide the credit.
In addition to this, African Development Bank, Chumo said, has committed Sh13 billion for the last mile connectivity programme which will facilitate extension of the grid nearer to homesteads so that more Kenyans can connect power to their premises.
Chumo further urged county governments to set aside funds for constructing new power lines to supply power to their citizens not covered by the existing grid.
