Sessional Paper No. 03 of 1959/1960 on the Sale of the Nyeri Electricity Undertaking

Abstract

A power station at Sagana Falls was constructed in 1942 by the Public Works Department to provide electricity for the War-time dried vegetable factory at Karatina supplying the Forces Plant originally imported to Kenya in 1907 was installed. When the dried vegetable factory was closed in 1947. it was decided to use the power station to provide a public supply. The Postmaster-General became the licensee. The area of supply covers some 170 square miles and includes the townships of Nyeri, Karatina and Kiganjo, the Mweiga area and large parts of the Aguthi, Thegenge and Tetu divisions of the Kikuyu land unit. The Director of Trade and Supplies succeeded the Postmaster-General as licensee on the 1st January, "1957. Experience has proved that the operation of a small and isolated electricity undertaking of this kind presents serious problems in the shape of management, staffing. the holding of spares and administration. Such difficulties militate against profitable and efficient operation…