New transmission line to replace one built on timber poles in Kenya
KETRACO is increasing the country’s grid circuit length and replacing older lines built on timber poles.
Image for illustration purposes.
Kenya: KETRACO is increasing the country’s grid circuit length and replacing older lines built on timber poles.
Several projects are currently being worked on as Kenya looks to improve its electricity network. Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) CEO John Mativo confirmed on social media that the company is constructing a new double circuit 132kV Rabai Bamburi Kilifi line to replace the older line that was built on timber poles.
“Due to age and environmental challenges, the existing line has had numerous challenges affecting power reliability. The North Coast industries, hospitality sector and residents from Kilifi, Vipingo, Mtwapa, Shanzu to Bamburi will get more reliable supply with added capacity,” he said.
Mativo said by the end of this financial year KETRACO plans to have increased the grid circuit length by 6,800 km since incorporation, moving the national grid from the pre-KETRACO 3.400km to 10,200km. Another project underway is the construction of the 94km, 132kV Isinya-Namanga Transmission Line.
KETRACO said the benefits of the project include improving reliability and access both domestic and industrial power in counties of Machakos, Kajiado and especially the towns of Isinya, Kajiado, Bisil and Namanga and the reinforcement of the existing distribution network will enhance reduction in technical losses, improved power quality and reliability.
Another project expected to increase electricity supply is the construction of the 400kV Kenya-Tanzania Interconnector, which is at 93% completion. It aims to facilitate power exchange between Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, the Southern Africa Power Pool and Sudan and Egypt in the North, enhance access to cheap electricity through the East African power pool by economic merit order dispatch, facilitate revenue collection through wheeling charge and offer reliability and system security through regional.
Source: ESI Africa
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