Kenya expand its electricity transmission Infrastructure
In a bid to promote the regional integration, the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) and Tanzania Electricity Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) completed and energized the 510km Kenya-Tanzania 400kV transmission interconnector in first half of the 2024-2025 Financial Year. A biannual Report by the Electricity and Petroleum regulatory Authority (EPRA) says the interconnector is a milestone in regional interconnectivity in the EAC region and enables electricity trade between Kenya and Tanzania. The transmission line that runs from Isinya in Kajiado County to Singida in Tanzania through Arusha was energized in December last year.
Additionally, the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) commissioned the 120km Sultan Hamud - Oloitoktok 132kV transmission line during the period an initiative aimed at providing stable power supply to parts of Kajiado County. In addition,
In its commitment to expand electricity access across the country, the government has developed National Electrification Strategy (KNES) that provides a road map to key solution for providing electricity to areas where grid extension is not economically viable. This is done through the development of mini-grids.
The reports indicates that mini-grids play a crucial role in expanding electricity access in off-grid and underserved regions of Kenya because they contribute towards the goal of achieving universal electricity access. The reports shows that, Wajir town has an installed capacity of 4.5MW making the town the largest off grid distribution undertaking operated by Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). Other towns with significant capacities are Mandera, Marsabit, Moyale and Habaswein. The5 towns account for 46.02% of total off-grid installed capacity. Additionally, most of the new mini-grids utilize renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on diesel and supporting Kenya’s clean energy transition.
The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), continues to expand mini-grid development with support from development partners. Through the Kenya Electrification Modernization Project (KEMP) funded by World Bank, REREC completed the development of four mini grids at Wasini, Mageta, Ngodhe and Takawiri while three mini grids are under construction in Dabel in Moyale, Marsabit County, Kaeris and Kerio in Turkana County.
The combined installed capacity of REREC developed mini-grids for both solar hybrid and diesel stands at 13.382MWp. These systems have significantly improved rural livelihoods by powering businesses, enhancing healthcare services, and facilitating educational development.