Kenya Power has awarded contracts worth Sh1.13 billion to two Indian companies to increase connection of electricity in various parts of the country as it targets to register 300, 000 new customers this year alone.

The companies, KEC International and Siemens of India have been tasked to install various sub-stations and transformers in Nairobi, Mount Kenya and western regions under the Kenya Electricity Expansion Programme (KEEP). The projects are funded from the Sh8.5 billion received from the World Bank in 2009 to increase electricity reach and enhance reliability.

Kenya Power managing director and chief executive officer Joseph Njoroge said: "The power projects will help steer the company's strategic plan of increasing access to electricity to 50 per cent of Kenyans by 2020." There are approximately 1.9 million electricity customers in the country.

KEC international (India) Ltd. won contracts to establish sub-stations in satellite areas of Nairobi such as Uplands, Ndenderu, Kirigiti, Lukenya, Rironi, Lower Kabete, Githunguri, Villa Franca, and Magumu at a total of Sh471 million. It also won the contract to design and install various sub-station transformers in Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western provinces at a combined cost of Sh259 million. Siemens Limited of India will establish new sub-stations in Gatundu, Juja, Kangema, Tala, and Mwea at a total cost of Sh403 million.

Source : allafrica.com