KenGen boss allays fears of power rationing

By ANTONY GITONGA                 

Kenya: Kenya Electricity Generating company (KenGen) has allayed fears of power rationing in the coming days due to the failed April rains.

Even with water levels in various dams across the country dropping, KenGen Managing Director Albert Mugo said measures had been put in place to ensure the country has adequate power supply.

“We have been using hydro-power sparingly and there is enough water in the dams and thus no need to panic over power supply,” he said.

Mugo was addressing the press in Olkaria after a tour of the facility by financial analysts from various companies. He said KenGen has identified five sites in the geothermal-rich area for construction of industrial parks.

The MD said operations in the parks are scheduled to start in two years, adding that industries will get cheaper power.

“We are encouraging big industries that consume a lot of power to construct their factories here where they will get cheaper power,” he said.

This came as it emerged that ongoing works to add an extra 280mw into the national grid are behind schedule. “I am confident that we shall meet out target of adding 280mw to the national grid by the end of the year,” he said.