This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
On August 10, 2019, Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) unveiled a Sh12.47 billion transmission line project aimed at enhancing power supply in Western Kenya. The 290km high voltage transmission line, the first 400kV utility line in the region, will connect the Olkaria geothermal station to the Western part of the country.
The project, which includes the construction of a 220kV transmission line between Olkaria and Lessos (213km) and from Lessos to Kisumu (77km), is expected to transmit clean, renewable energy generated from Olkaria. This will enable a stable distribution of electric power to Kenya's Western region and facilitate power interchange with Uganda.
According to Ketraco Managing Director Fernandes Barasa, the project will increase power supply reliability and capacity to meet the region's energy demands. The region, known for its sugarcane farming, fishing industries, and jua kali sector, will benefit from the stable electricity supply. Kisumu International Airport is also set to benefit from the project, which will enable it to maintain its operations.
