Advertisement

CS Wandayi explains why the country experiences power blackouts during rainy periods

CS Wandayi explains why the country experiences power blackouts during rainy periods
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi. PHOTO/@OpiyoWandayi/X

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has explained why the country experiences power blackouts whenever it rains.

Speaking during a televised interview with one of the local TV stations, Wandayi said that the country’s decaying transmission and distribution infrastructure is one of the main causes of the electricity power outages.

According to the former Ugunja Member of Parliament (MP), the said infrastructure has become too weak to be able to withstand the vagaries of weather.

“There are so many causes of outages; one of the main factors is our decaying transmission and distribution infrastructure, infrastructure that has become too weak to be able to withstand the vagaries of weather,” CS Wandayi stated.

Govt’s action

Wandayi went ahead to state that the government has since embarked on the process of investing in the power transmission and distribution infrastructure to address the challenges by modernizing the system.

He further urged Kenyans to remain patient as the government rushes against time to address the issue, which he said is being done consciously.

“That is why we are investing in modernizing this infrastructure. It is something we are doing very consciously, and it is something that Kenyans must be patient with us about. As a government, we understand the anxiety and the concern, and we are dealing with it appropriately,” Wandayi said.

Wandayi on solving blackouts

Wandayi had, during his vetting, explained how he would solve the issues of power blackouts in the country.

Speaking on Saturday, August 3, 2024, when he appeared before the Moses Wetang’ula-led Parliamentary Committee on Appointments for vetting, Wandayi said the Western Kenya region is the most affected when it comes to electricity power outages, noting that it would be his priority if he gets approved to assume office.

The former National Assembly Minority Leader stated that he would first have the electricity transmission line to various parts affected with blackouts, relooked.

Wandayi noted that transmission lines with the requisite capacity to evacuate power to the consumers will be put in place.

“I will fast track the development of transmission lines with the requisite capacity to evacuate power and take to the consumers,” he stated.

Wandayi went ahead to point out that should he get approved to assume office as the Energy and Petroleum CS, he will ensure the Turkwel-Ortum-Kitale power line is completed and commissioned.

“In Western Kenya, I will ensure that the Turkwel -Ortum- Kitale line is completed and commissioned in the shortest time possible,” Wandayi stated while responding to a question raised by Pokot South Member of Parliament (MP) David Pkosing.

Author Profile

For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Advertisement