By Our Reporter
GARISSA, Kenya, June 29 — Residents of Garissa are expected to benefit from a more reliable electricity supply after the government began upgrading the town’s main Kenya Power substation with a higher-capacity transformer aimed at reducing frequent outages and meeting growing demand.
The project involves the installation of a new 23 MVA transformer, replacing infrastructure that officials say has struggled to keep pace with rapid population growth, urbanisation and increased economic activity.
According to government officials, the upgrade will substantially increase the substation’s capacity and improve power reliability for Garissa town and surrounding areas.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, who inspected the installation works, said the project would address long-standing electricity challenges that have affected households and businesses for years.
“We are going to commission a 23 MVA transformer, which is three times what we originally had. Because we are retaining one of the existing 7.5 MVA transformers, the substation will have a total capacity of 30.5 MVA,” Wachira said.
He added that the additional capacity would allow Garissa and neighbouring areas to absorb up to 30 megawatts of electricity while paving the way for Dadaab Sub-county to be connected to the national grid.
The project is also expected to benefit Dadaab and Balambala sub-counties, where many residents currently rely on diesel-powered mini-grids, which are generally more expensive than grid electricity.
For years, Garissa residents have experienced frequent power interruptions that officials attributed to an overloaded transformer. The outages have disrupted businesses, interrupted daily activities and contributed to economic losses, according to government officials.
Wachira said the new transformer was delivered following a commitment by President William Ruto after residents raised concerns over unreliable electricity in the region.
“This transformer was promised by the President because of the suffering the people of Garissa have endured,” Wachira said. “We have witnessed tremendous growth in electricity demand, and the previous 7.5 MVA transformer had become severely overloaded, causing frequent outages and immense hardship for residents.”
Garissa Township Member of Parliament Dekow Mohamed welcomed the project, saying it fulfilled the President’s pledge to improve electricity infrastructure in the county.
“As we all know, Garissa has faced serious power supply challenges despite being connected to the national grid,” Dekow said. “The previous transformer could no longer meet demand because Garissa is one of the fastest-growing towns in the country.”
Dekow said improved electricity reliability could encourage investment by reducing one of the major constraints cited by businesses operating in the county. He said the enhanced power supply could also support industrial development and create employment opportunities, although those outcomes will depend on future investment decisions.
