Invest more in Ketraco to hit energy target

The ability to harness and use different forms of energy has transformed living conditions for billions of people, enabling them to enjoy a level of comfort and mobility that is unprecedented in human history.

Steady growth in energy consumption has been closely tied to rising levels of prosperity and economic opportunity in much of the world.

In Kenya, the Jubilee promise to supply Standard One pupils with laptops is on course after the tender was awarded. Since about 1.2 million laptops are going to be given out, this is only going to be possible if the key energy sector is transformed since about 75 per cent of the country doesn’t have reliable cheap electricity.

Plans by the Rural Electrification Authority to partner with other energy players will realise the dream of connecting every school to electricity. This will not only help improve the education system but save a lot of money in the villages and the money may be diverted to other developing projects.

Ten projects by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) which include the Rabai-Galu line of 132kv, Chemosit-Kisii line of 232kv, Mumias-Rangala, 132 kv and others have brought a lot of economic change.

Urbanisation, creation of employment and access to services and information has tremendously increased. It has also improved efficiency in agriculture, leading to increased food supply while minimising the amount of labour required to cultivate crops.

For every activity to be successful, electricity is needed. The money that was used by firms in buying fuel for generators is now being channelled to some other uses.

The cost of land appreciates in areas where there is power. In Kajiado, where Ketraco is building a sub-station, the cost of land shot up three times, which is an economical benefit to the community.

In future, the transport sector will be revolutionised when the country adopts electric trains to ease traffic jams.

There are other important elements that Ketraco will enabled the country achieve. Excess energy will also be sold to other East African countries. The Government should invest more in Ketraco to achieve its target to transmit safe and environment-friendly electricity.