The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has hinted at upgrading the Gogo Hydro Power Plant from 2 megawatts to at least 8 megawatts to boost the power supply in South Nyanza.
CS Wandayi said that if upgraded, the Uriri-based hydropower plant would help solve the perennial power blackout in the region, thereby boosting social and economic activities.
“The upgrade will create local employment for youth, which is in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, a key pillar of President William Ruto’s economic model,” he said.
He disclosed that the government has allocated at least Sh6 billion for the upgrade of the Gogo power plant, scheduled to be commissioned next year.
Wandayi, who spoke during the commissioning of the rural electrification project at the Piny Owacho and Kagito areas in Uriri Sub-County, said that despite the power plant being one of the oldest in the country, it has remained underdeveloped.
He added that the move was part of President Ruto’s agenda of ensuring citizens get access to basic needs so as to empower them economically in business investments.
Uriri Member of Parliament (MP) Mark Nyamita, who accompanied CS Wandayi, echoed the CS noting that commissioning of the rural electrification projects at Piny Owacho and Kagito would solve power problems, create employment and generate income for residents of Uriri Sub-County.
By Makokha Khaoya
