Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) will spend Kshs. 3 billion on the construction of 100-kilometre Turkwel–Ortum–Kitale power line with a substation at Ortum in West Pokot County to boost electricity supply and cut system losses in power transmission while boosting businesses in the region.
The project is set to boost reliable power supply from the power line and reduce power outages in the major towns in the region.
Speaking during at a meeting in Kapenguria with County leaders, KETRACO chairman Dr. Kenneth Sigilai said the high voltage lines and other infrastructural development will provide job opportunities to many of the youths.
Dr. Sigilai said the project has reached 70% completion so far. “We have done 45 kilometres and 55 kilometres are remaining and we urge residents to support the project,” he said.
Dr. Sigilai called on the County government to help in fast-tracking the project to help continue.
Area Governor John Lonyangapuo said that the County government will play a serious role in the project. Governor Lonyangapuo raised the issue of the transmission line passing through Kamatira Forest and cautioned the company against interfering with forests along the Kitale-Lodwar Highway like Kamatira which 24 acres of land have been affected.
Lonyangapuo asked the company to offer cooperate social responsibility by setting up schools and water provision sources. “Our County was marginalized for many years and we need to benefit from the project. We’ve been getting power supply 400 kilometres away yet they produce electricity in the area,” he said.