Residents of Migori have been urged to invest in industries and other enterprises to take advantage of the stable electricity supply provided by the newly commissioned 25 Megawatts (MW) Masaba Substation.

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) Engineer Reagan Oloka said the Masaba Substation in Kuria West Sub County had improved power supply in the county since it was energised, with the project operating at full efficiency.

Oloka said the Sh1.4 billion Government project had improved power quality in the Kuria region and neighbouring towns within Migori County.

He said electricity consumption at the substation currently stood at about 12MW during peak hours, leaving an additional 13MW capacity that was yet to be utilised.

Oloka encouraged residents and investors to establish industries and other businesses that would make use of the available capacity and contribute to the county’s socio-economic development.

Oloka said reliable electricity was essential for attracting investment because industries require quality power to operate efficiently. He noted that increased availability of electricity could support businesses that depend on machinery, refrigeration and other equipment, while creating opportunities for employment and increased economic activity.

He urged investors to explore manufacturing, agro-processing and other value-adding enterprises that could benefit from the available electricity capacity. He said greater utilisation of the substation would complement Government efforts to improve infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in the county.

Masaba Substation Project Manager Engineer Moses Kerre said the project would strengthen electricity supply in Kuria and other towns within Migori County.

Kerre said the substation would increase power transfer capacity, shorten transmission and distribution lines and reduce power interruptions and outages experienced in the region.

The substation is served by a 28-kilometre Awendo-Isebania transmission line and is an extension of the existing Awendo Substation, which serves the Kuria region and neighbouring towns.

The official said the project would increase power supply in the Kuria-Migori area by 25 per cent and expand access to reliable electricity across the county.

Meanwhile, the business community in Migori has welcomed the Government’s efforts to improve electricity supply, saying reliable power would support the establishment and expansion of enterprises.

Josphat Chacha, a businessman who owns wholesale stores in Kehancha and Namba towns, commended the Government for increasing power transfer capacity through the Masaba Substation.

Chacha said the additional capacity would give business people an opportunity to establish small and medium-sized cottage industries and other enterprises.

He said many businesses had previously been reluctant to invest in industries because inadequate electricity supply affected operations and increased the risk of power interruptions.

“The majority of our business community have been shying away from setting up industries because of a lack of enough power supply to propel their businesses. With the new station, the industry-business hope has been re-energised,” he said.

The Masaba Substation was officially commissioned by President William Ruto during his development tour of Migori early this week.

by Makokha Khaoya