Kenya has successfully concluded the construction of its segment of a Ksh43 billion ($309.26 million) electricity transmission line, establishing a vital link for power imports and exports with neighboring Tanzania.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir confirmed that Kenya is currently installing meters along the 507.5-kilometer transmission line and anticipates its commissioning by December.
This ambitious project faced uncertainties due to compensation delays for those affected along the Kenyan side, but its completion is crucial in bolstering power supply between the two countries.
The Kenyan section of the transmission line spans approximately 93 kilometers, running from the Isinya substation to Namanga.
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Designed with a transfer capacity of 2,000 megawatts, the 400-kilovolt line will not only facilitate the exchange of excess electricity between Kenya and Tanzania but also enable the two nations to tap into the hydropower resources of neighboring Ethiopia.
Cabinet Secretary Chirchir expressed his confidence in the project, stating that the line’s completion would foster power-sharing and collaboration.
Furthermore, the Kenya-Tanzania transmission line will serve as a crucial link between the East African and Southern African electricity pools. This connection will facilitate the exchange of power between the two regions, ultimately boosting the overall electricity supply.
The line’s successful implementation marks a significant milestone for regional energy cooperation and economic development.
Kenya’s recent electricity imports predominantly originated from Ethiopia under a long-term agreement, while imports from Tanzania were absent during the previous reporting period.
The completion of the Kenya-Tanzania line sets the stage for a new era of cross-border power collaboration, benefiting both nations and fostering regional integration.
