Kisumu — The multi billion electricity project in western Kenya is set to lay off more than 600 workers after the completion of the Sondu Miriu power project.

The project's senior engineer, Mr. Alfred Abiero, said at the project's peak, there were close to 1,400 permanent and casual workers but maintained that the completion of the project will see a number of them laid off.

"The project has been completed, and we have no reason to retain the workers, the four contractors will trim down on their man power cost and it is projected to go down with over 600 workers and not limited to casuals," said Abiero.

He said that some of the causal workers of the four contractors have been laid off.

The Ksh14 billion-project is adding 60MW to the national grid. With the current power demand in the country being 1,010MW and the national grid having 1,100MW, the reserve margin is a meager 90 MW.

However, Kenya Generating Company (KenGen) has set a five-year programme to produce 500MW.

Last week, Eng. Abiero said the completion of the project would enhance stabilisation of voltage in parts of Western Province.

The Sondu Power project is transmitted to the 132kV Kisumu station, for distribution to consumers in the wider western Kenya.