06 February 2014, Nairobi – Nandi Governor Cleophas Lagat has appealed to Kenya Power company to put up more power substations to curb frequent power black outs.
Lagat said cottage industries and other small scale economic enterprises in his county are being frustrated by lack of electricity. He said the power issue can be addressed by setting up at least two new substations in Kabiyet and Kobujoi townships.
Lagat was speaking at Kapchemosin Primary School in Nandi South district when he presided over the commissioning of Kapchemosin -Kaboi rural electrification project.
He said his county government is rolling out 14 rural electrification programmes worth Sh20 million.
“The county government’s intention is to ensure members of the public access the services at a cheaper cost and cottage industries are set up in the rural areas to reduce rural urban migration,” Lagat said.
He was accompanied by North rift Rural Electrification Authority regional manager Allan Mutunga. Lagat said all teaching institutions will be exempted from paying the mandatory power connections fees.
“Under normal circumstances, new connections were expected to pay ksh 32,000 for single phase and ksh. 46,000 for three phase respectively.
The REA boss said the authority was working round the clock in the 14 rural projects in Nandi in anticipation of the governments funded primary school laptop to be rolled-out.