Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has come to the defence of the multi-billion deal between the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) and Adani Energies noting that it would lead to reduced electricity prices.

The CS noted that contrary to beliefs, the Ksh.95B deal would fully address the perennial power losses in the country through the installation of new power lines and stations.

This came as Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN) launched its 2024-34 strategic plan which seeks to pump an extra 1,500mw into the national grid in the next ten years.

Addressing the press in Olkaria, Wandayi noted power losses stood at 24 per cent due to old transmission equipment.

He said that the multi-billion deal involved coming with new transmission lines and stations, a move that would end the massive power losses.

According to Wandayi, the deal between Adani and KETRACO would bring down the cost of electricity and the government is keen on such Public-private Partnership projects. 

He lauded KENGEN for its continued efforts of increasing power production in the country at a time that demand was rising from manufacturers and homesteads.

“The government is keen to increase production of renewable energy from the current 90 to 100 percent and this can be achieved by supporting KENGEN,” the CS said, citing petroleum deals which enabled the recent fuel prices drop by EPRA terming their days as numbered. 

On his part, KENGEN CEO Engineer Peter Njenga said that part of the ten year strategic plan included pumping an extra 1,500mw into the national grid.

He said that of the total amount, 800mw would be sourced from geothermal energy as the company geared towards increasing renewable energy while phasing out thermals.

Njenga added that the power generating company had plans to invest into a 500 hours storage system targeting power from solar and wind energy.

“This exercise requires $4.3B and we are working with donors and development partners so that they can increase our installed capacity that stands at 1726mw,” he said. 

Njenga at the same time assured the country of continued supply of electricity from hydro-dams despite that harsh weather and warning of depleted rains in the coming months.

Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano lauded the launch, noting that most of the geothermal fields in Olkaria were located in Hellsgate national park.

She said KWS is working closely with KENGEN in geothermal exploration and have various joint conservation projects that will attract many visitors.