Lodwar town and its environs are set for a major transformation as Kenya Power nears completion of two projects worth a combined KSh1.01 billion that will connect the Turkana County capital to Kenya’s national electricity grid for the first time since independence.

The projects involve the construction of a 66/11kV Lodwar substation and a 90-kilometre 66kV power transmission line connecting Lokichar to Lodwar.

Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror said the projects will provide stable, clean and reliable electricity to more than 80,000 residents, powering homes, schools, hospitals and businesses while supporting the town’s future growth.

Siror said Lodwar has for decades relied on diesel-powered generators, which have struggled to meet the growing demand for electricity, particularly because of the region’s extremely high temperatures.

Kenya Power currently spends approximately KSh900 million annually to operate and fuel the generators serving Lodwar and its environs. Frequent breakdowns have also contributed to power rationing in the town.

According to Siror, the cost of constructing the 90-kilometre power line and substation is almost equivalent to the amount currently spent on diesel in a single year, meaning the grid connection is expected to generate significant long-term savings.

The new connection is also expected to reduce fossil fuel emissions while improving the reliability of electricity supply across the region.

The project is expected to boost economic activities in livestock trade, tourism, agribusiness and mining, creating new employment and investment opportunities for residents.

Reliable electricity will also improve learning conditions for students, support ICT hubs and small and medium-sized enterprises, and enhance healthcare services by enabling hospitals and clinics to reliably store vaccines and other critical medical supplies.

The landmark project is therefore expected to usher in a new era of economic and social development for Lodwar and Turkana County.