Kenya Power Faces Critical Challenges in Meeting Rising Energy Demands
The National Assembly’s Energy Committee convened today to address pressing issues confronting Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). During the session, CEO Joseph Siror outlined the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the nation’s increasing electricity demands.
Siror highlighted that the demand for power has surged in recent years, leaving many Kenyans without access to the national grid. He emphasized that the existing infrastructure is outdated and struggles to handle high-voltage transmission, leading to frequent blackouts across the country.
“Just as we invest in expanding other sectors of the economy, such as transport through road expansion, power is essential to economic growth,” Siror stated. He underscored the necessity for enhanced investment in power generation and transmission systems to support the country’s development.
The aging transmission infrastructure has resulted in a series of challenges, including periodic load-shedding, which KPLC has implemented to stabilize supply during peak demand periods. Siror called for increased funding to replace outdated transmission lines and expand capacity, aiming to reduce system failures and better serve a growing customer base.
In response, legislators urged KPLC to focus on operational efficiency and develop strategies to lower electricity costs, which remain a significant burden for consumers.
The meeting underscored the critical intersection of infrastructure investment and economic growth, setting the stage for further discussions on how to address Kenya’s energy challenges effectively.
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