Uriri residents have lauded the government for fast-tracking the expansion of the multimillion Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) Gogo Power Substation, whose groundbreaking ceremony is set for early this year. Area Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita has been leading a major campaign aimed at compensating residents whose parcels have been taken over.
Nyamita tabled the grievances when President Ruto toured the project. Among the concerns was the call for the project to be expanded and for local people to be given first priority when it comes to employment and contract awards. Nyamita said the Gogo issue is among 11 issues tabled before the head of state, adding that it is now the 9th to be tackled.
The MP said the upgrade of the plant from the current 2MW facility to a modern 8.6MW hydropower station was a move in the right direction.
KenGen Board Chairman Alfred Agoi said the firm has taken a monumental step forward in fostering sustainable development and community engagement by issuing 45 title deeds to the Gogo community in Uriri Constituency, Migori County. By granting these families land ownership, Agoi said they have empowered them and ensured security, paving the way for socio-economic growth.
He added that the issuance of title deeds is critical for advancing the modernization of the Gogo Hydropower Plant, a key project in Kenya’s energy transformation journey.
Soon, he revealed, they will commence construction of the new power station, which seeks to replace the existing 2MW facility with a modern 8.6MW hydropower station. Agoi said the initiative directly supports regional growth and aligns with Kenya’s sustainable energy agenda.
“Today’s achievement highlights the power of collaboration between KenGen, development partners, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the National Land Commission, and local leaders, among many other stakeholders,” he said. These partnerships, he added, exemplify what can be achieved when stakeholders unite for the common good and the betterment of the people.
KenGen, he said, remains committed to balancing energy needs with community interests, demonstrating that sustainable development must include the people it impacts. Therefore, Agoi said, the event marks a new chapter for the Gogo community, allowing landowners to transform their lives and contribute to regional progress.
“As we modernize the Gogo Hydropower Plant, we count on the continued support and collaboration of the community to achieve a shared vision of growth and prosperity,” he said. He expressed anticipation for returning for the groundbreaking in the months ahead and, eventually, for the plant commissioning upon completion of the new power plant.
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Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko lauded KenGen for giving out the titles. He said it would instill a sense of ownership of the project within the local community. The governor reiterated that non-skilled jobs should be reserved for local people. Ayacko also stated that Migori has qualified engineers who can perform the required tasks.
By Fredrick Odiero.
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