Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s power infrastructure by signing a contract with North China Power Engineering Company to construct the 132kV Narok-Bomet transmission line.
The project is part of the larger Sh15.6 billion Kenya Transmission Network Improvement Project (KTNIP), which aims to bolster electricity supply across Kenya.
KTNIP is a comprehensive initiative jointly funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the National Treasury, and the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund. The project will see the construction of three transmission lines, with capacities of 200kV and 132kV, spanning a total distance of 273 kilometers.
The Narok-Bomet line, specifically, will enable the evacuation of surplus geothermal energy generated at the Olkaria power plants towards the western parts of Kenya. This is particularly crucial as it will facilitate the retirement of the aging 60 megawatt (MW) Muhoroni gas turbine, which has been a significant source of electricity in the region.
Ketraco Managing Director John Mativo has stated that the Narok-Bomet line is expected to be completed by September 30, 2025. This timeline reflects the urgency of addressing the current transmission capacity limitations and improving the reliability of power supply for domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers in Kenya.
The project will also involve the construction of new substations to enhance power capacity transfer over large areas, further supporting the growing energy demands in the region.
The technical specifications of the Narok-Bomet line include an 81-kilometer double-circuit transmission line, designed to connect parts of the South Rift and South Nyanza regions to the Olkaria geothermal fields.
This infrastructure is expected to significantly improve the stability and quality of electricity supply, addressing the frequent outages that have plagued these areas. The new line will provide an alternative route for power evacuation, reducing the reliance on long-distance transmission that often results in losses and inefficiencies.
The impact of the Narok-Bomet power line on local communities is anticipated to be profound. By enhancing electricity access for previously underserved areas, the project will foster economic growth and development.
Improved power supply will benefit various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and small businesses, which have been hampered by unreliable electricity. Additionally, the project aims to alleviate current power outages and enhance overall reliability, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents in the affected regions.
In a broader context, Ketraco’s role in Kenya’s energy infrastructure is pivotal. The Narok-Bomet line is part of a strategic effort to revamp the country’s transmission network, which has suffered from decades of underinvestment.
As Kenya continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, particularly in geothermal energy, the successful implementation of this project will be essential for achieving energy security and sustainability.
The Narok-Bomet power line project represents a significant advancement in Kenya’s energy sector. With its completion expected in 2025, this initiative is poised to provide much-needed stability to the electricity supply in Narok and Bomet counties while supporting the country’s broader economic development goals.
The anticipated outcomes of this project will not only enhance energy access but also contribute to the overall growth of Kenya’s economy, making it a landmark achievement in the nation’s pursuit of reliable and sustainable energy solutions. Check out this post for more details related to this article: https://ketraco.co.ke/.
