Kenya taps PowerGrid India, Africa50 in Sh40bn grid expansion push
Kenya has entered into a KES40 billion Public-Private Partnership agreement with a consortium of PowerGrid India and Africa50 to construct new high-voltage power lines and substations in Western Kenya in the next 30 months.
Kenya has entered into a KES40 billion Public-Private Partnership agreement with a consortium of PowerGrid India and Africa50 to construct new high-voltage power lines and substations in Western Kenya in the next 30 months.
In an update on Monday, the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) announced that the planned 400kV Lessos–Loosuk line will facilitate the evacuation of up to 300MW of geothermal power from Baringo–Silali, which is a key priority under Kenya’s Transmission Masterplan.
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The project shall be implemented in phases, the first being the 400kV Lessos-Loosuk line serving Samburu, Baringo, Nandi and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties with substations at Lessos and Loosuk.
Besides jobs and enhancing economic growth in the target zone, the KES40 billion project seeks to firm up the national grid and provide safe, reliable and sustainable power to individuals and businesses in the region.
Additionally, the project will see the set-up of 220kV Kibos–Kakamega–Musaga line, a key investment in the country's energy security that will enhance high-voltage electricity supply across towns and homes in Western Kenya.
"This pioneering PPP model for transmission marks a first-of-its-kind in Africa and represents Africa50’s initial step in a broader investment drive to align public and private capital to transform power transmission across the continent," Africa50 noted on X.
According to Treasury CS in his speech read on his behalf by the PS Dr. Kiptoo noted that the investment will facilitate integration of 300MW of geothermal power from Baringo-Paka-Salali, enhances evacuation of renewable energy and strengthen system reliability across the North Rift and Western Kenya.
"Reliable electricity strengthens national development, enhances learning environments, supports uninterrupted health services, improves business productivity and expands agricultural output through irrigation, processing, mechanisation and storage," the CS noted.
"We are strengthening Kenya’s energy transmission through smart Public Private Partnerships, mobilising private capital, reinforcing the grid, and delivering reliable, affordable power to drive national growth," National Treasury PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo.
