This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) has announced that the supply of geothermal power to western Kenya will begin in April next year.
According to Charles Oguoko, Ketraco's land economist, the 220kV/400kV Olkaria-Lessos-Kisumu line will be completed and energized by next year, marking the first time the region will have access to renewable energy.
Mr. Oguoko cited challenges in acquiring wayleaves for the Sh18.2 billion project as the main impediment in completing the line on time.
"Lack of grids is what has denied the region cheap, efficient power," he said.
The project aims to deliver 400 kilowatts of power in Kisumu, ending perennial outages that have left industries relying on expensive diesel-powered generators.
The line will pass through Timboroa forest and will be guarded by police to safeguard the heavy capital investments.
Compensation for property and farm owners will be determined based on the value of their properties, with agricultural lands and commercial centers having different rates.
Western Kenya has largely relied on electricity from the 60-megawatt Sondu Miriu power plant and expensive gas turbine power station fueled by kerosene at Muhoroni, alongside costly imports from Uganda.
The Miriu plant, the major cheap power source in the area, is less reliable as it does not have a reservoir and only generates power during the rainy season.
Ketraco will step down the 220kV line from Lessos to 132kV at its Mambole switchyard, which is also under construction, and will be stepped down for distribution at the Mamboleo substation currently operated by Kenya Power.
