In a strategic move to address the recurring issue of unplanned power outages in the country, the Ministry of Energy has announced a comprehensive plan to replace outdated power systems with modern infrastructure. Highlighted in the final strategic plan for the next three years, the Ministry identified the aging power systems as a key factor contributing to the frequent blackouts.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The risks are categorized and prioritized based on the likelihood of occurrence and expected impact with suggested actions for mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of those risks.”
The Ministry’s plan includes not only the replacement of old systems but also the enhancement of infrastructure security to prevent vandalism. This will involve rigorous physical inspections and the utilization of drone technology for surveillance.
Furthermore, the Ministry reported notable improvements in power supply reliability, with the Customer’s Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI) decreasing from 4.4 in 2017 to 2.24 as of June 2023. These improvements were attributed to refurbishment, automation, and modernization of the distribution system, as well as the implementation of advanced technologies like the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
Looking ahead, the Ministry aims to implement reforms at Kenya Power to enhance operational efficiency, including delinking government initiatives and fostering a commercial approach within the utility firm.
