Kenya Power fixed a transformer hours barely after Ruto’s orderThe Mountain Journal An electric transformer has been installed to serve the Murang’a County Coffee Mills following orders of President William Ruto during his working tour of Murang’a.The Kenya Power technicians on Friday were at Ikundu farm fixing the giant transformer, 24 hours after the presidential order to have the electric equipment installed to allow the milling of Murang’a farmers’ coffee.On Thursday, speaking at Gakoigo chief’s camp when inaugurating the Sh1 billion Maragua Bulk Water Programme, Ruto ordered Kenya Power to look into the matter after the leaders detailed the challenge in operating the mill.Energy Principal Secretary Mr Alex Wachira, Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania, and Agriculture CEC Kamau Kiringai witnessed the installation of the equipment. Wachira called on the residents to ensure they protect the transformer from vandalization saying in the year 2022/2023 reports indicate 894 transformers were vandalized in the country.“ Kenya Power is left to foof the huge bills thus affecting its operation and distribution of electricity,’ says Wachira.
Munania requesting a transformer told the president that once the transformer was installed the milling plant would start operation.“The management of the union has struggled to have the transformer fixed as since you are supporting the farmers we request that the assignment be accomplished the soon time possible,” said Munania. He said Murang’a was producing 32 million kilogrammes of coffee annually and hoped to increase the production to 50 million killogrammes in coming years. Munania is also the Murang’a Coffee Champion who has been actively used in the revival of the sector through mobilisation of the youth The milling was bought from Brazil 15 years ago, and installed at Maragua town. Three years ago, the union management chaired by Francis Ngone proposed to relocate it to Ikundu coffee farm. Peter Kuria a farmer in Kahuhia said the revival of the coffee mill is a milestone for Murang’a farmers who over the years have struggled.“ Taking coffee to far distances is expensive n for the farmers-based cooperative societies,” said Kuria.
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