Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1378799,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1378799/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 72,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mungatana, MGH",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "coming down to the whole process of acquisition. There is a lot of darkness around how acquisition of land is done. Again, this speaks to the cost of electricity. Once payments are made, they have to be recovered from somewhere. This reflects on the bills we have to pay so that we sustain the electricity we consume. We also need to check that the proper - and this report recommends - standardized procedures are followed when monies are being paid so that wayleaves are obtained when land is being acquired for purposes of transmission. You will find in some places there is high exaggeration of these costs yet in some, there are hardly any payments that are given. When there is exaggeration in acquiring those wayleaves, this cost translates to the cost per unit of electricity, which must be streamlined, as per this Report. KETRACO and KPC have different functions and roles. When we experience power blackouts, people claim that KPC is responsible. However, those of us who are knowledgeable in the energy sector will note that Kenya has a very unstable system for power transmission. The time has come for deliberate investment. This Report says that we need to invest in transmission so that we stabilize the system. Without stabilization of the transmission system, we will continue to have blackouts. The Senate of this Republic has identified in this Report that there is a need to rehabilitate some of the transmission lines. Regarding Recommendation No.209, the Senate directs that KETRACO set aside a percentage of its budget to rehabilitate and maintain old transmission lines. This is the only way we can, genuinely and honestly, deal with the problem of blackouts. For as long as the transmission system is unstable, we will continue to have blackouts. Four areas need urgent attention as far as stabilization of this transmission system in Kenya is concerned. I will mention maybe two. There is need - and this Report recommends - that the proposed 400/220KV Mariakani Substation be completed within three months, energizing Suswa to Mariakani through Isinya. Therefore, it will enable more geothermal power to be generated and to flow to Mombasa. Mombasa is an important town which has its fair share of blackouts. What most Kenyans and the people of Mombasa may need to learn is that the cause of the blackouts is a lack of completion of the Suswa-Isinya line. The problem is traced to the lack of stability in power transmission. This Report has indicated at least four major lines that need to be finished to have stable transmission. Sometimes, we make noise that KPC is the problem, while the issue is KETRACO. As long as the transmission system is unstable, we will continue to have an unstable electricity supply. It may cost this country a lot to stabilize. However, in the end, the investment that is required now is the one that will stabilize the transmission and help reduce the cost of power. In the future, the Senate needs to note that the Fourth Schedule states that - “The functions and powers of the county include – County planning and development, including, electricity and gas reticulation and energy regulation.” The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}