Uriri: The Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has announced plans to upgrade the Gogo Hydro Power Plant from 2 megawatts to at least 8 megawatts. This initiative aims to enhance the power supply in South Nyanza.
According to Kenya News Agency, CS Wandayi stated that upgrading the Uriri-based hydropower plant would address the recurring power blackouts in the region, thereby supporting social and economic activities. He emphasized that the upgrade would generate local employment for youth, aligning with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, a significant aspect of President William Ruto’s economic model.
The government has allocated at least Sh6 billion for the Gogo power plant upgrade, which is scheduled to be commissioned next year. Wandayi, speaking at the commissioning of a rural electrification project in the Piny Owacho and Kagito areas of Uriri Sub-County, noted that despite being one of the oldest power plants in the country, Gogo has remained underdeveloped.
Wandayi added that the upgrade is part of President Ruto’s agenda to ensure citizens have access to basic needs, facilitating economic empowerment through business investments. Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita, who accompanied CS Wandayi, supported the initiative, stating that the rural electrification projects in Piny Owacho and Kagito would solve power issues, create jobs, and generate income for Uriri Sub-County residents.
