State lines up electricity projects in Nyanza, Western

President William Ruto and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi during the groundbreaking for the 35MW Orpower Twenty-two power plant at Menengai Geothermal Project in Nakuru county, on October 24, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The Energy Ministry has announced plans for major electricity projects in Nyanza and Western to boost power supply. 

The ministry said that the Sondu to Ndhiwa electricity transmission is in the formative stages. 

Speaking during a tour of Sondu Miriu and Sangoro hydro-power plant, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said preparations for the launch of Sondu to Ndhiwa electricity transmission were at an advanced stages.  

"It is set to start in the shortest time possible. It will create an important link between Sondu to Ndhiwa then to Awendo then to Masaba line which is already complete awaiting energising," said the CS. 

Sondu Miriu power plant generates 60 megawatts while while Sangora generates 21 megawatts. 

Wandayi was optimistic that construction of Thurdibuoro power station, will address infrastructure requirements in Nyanza. 

The CS said that the construction of Muhoroni gas turbine power plant which had stalled is complete and generating up to 60 megawatts. 

The gas turbine power plant which is on the border of Kisumu and Kericho counties is expected to curb the frequent power outage in the Western region and parts of Rift Valley. 

The region, with an installed capacity of 249 megawatts relies heavily on this facility for peak load balancing and grid stability, especially during high demand or power shortfalls from other plants. 

Muhoroni gas turbine comprises two gas turbines (GT1 and GT2), each with 30 megawatts capacity.  

The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the Muhoroni gas turbines expired on April 30, 2023, however, the plant continued being dispatched until June 30, 2023 when a decision was made not to dispatch the plant further. 

Wandayi revealed that the government will also going upgrade the Gogo hydropower plant in Migori from a capacity of two megawatts to 8.6 megawatts. 

He said the plan is at the contracting stage and the project will kick off next month.

“All these initiatives will contribute to modernising infrastructure in the sector for both generation and transmission, ultimately improving energy supply and reducing costs,” the CS said.. 

The CS was accompanied by Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor among other local leaders.