Chinese firm boosts Kenyan energy sector with new transformer flag-off
In a major advancement for Kenya’s energy sector, a Chinese energy firm based in Kenya flagged off a new transformer on Wednesday, marking a key advancement in boosting local manufacturing and addressing the nation’s growing energy needs.
”We expect the energy power needs to grow sharply in the next five to 10years”, Yocean Group CEO, Dylan Yu said in an interview with CGTN.
The event that took place in Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi was attended by key stakeholders who recognized the importance of local manufacturing in enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure.
While acknowledging the critical role of the Chinese energy firm in the manufacturing sector, Kenya’s Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, also underscored the ripple effect of their success across various sectors of the economy.
Additionally, the company has created over 100 jobs, with 95% of its workforce being Kenyan nationals.
”We are very happy. We had a time when we had a challenge of transformers and Yocean group has been key at supporting us with this,” Jeremiah Kiplagat, Director at the Institute of Energy Studies & Research said.
As Kenya addresses its energy challenges, transformers play a key role in improving the power distribution network and ensuring reliable electricity, lighting up homes and businesses nationwide.
So far, the Chinese energy firm has flagged off 7,628 transformers.
”This is a testament of China-Kenya cooperation and as Chinese investors here we’ve been able to deliver this successful project as the first local manufacture for transformers by bridging the technological gap to contribute to the local industrialization process”, according to Dylan Yu.
