Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) has completed the Ksh 46 million grid restoration on the Loiyangalani–Suswa 400kV Double Circuit Transmission Line.
The expanded capacity on the line is expected to boost power evacuation from the Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) plant, cut power interruptions due to temporary bypass and improve reliability and stability of the national grid.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the improvements now mean the line is able to evacuate up to 300 megawatts of power from LTWP plant ensuring stability, affordable, clean and reliable power.
“The successful completion of this project directly supports the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by ensuring reliable electricity supply to power industries, SMEs, and households across the country,” said Wandayi
According to Wandayi, improved reliability in power supply will boost investor confidence and assure power consumers have consistent access to electricity to drive economic growth.
“It also strengthens our commitment to expanding access to clean, renewable energy in line with Vision 2030 and Kenya’s international climate obligations,” he added.
KETRACO Acting Managing Director Kipkemoi Kibias said the energization of both circuits ensures N-1 contingency, a critical feature that enhances grid reliability by reducing the risk of outages and improving overall system security.
He further highlighted that the completion of permanent structures will significantly reduce maintenance costs that were previously incurred on temporary bypass solutions.
“With both circuits now fully operational, we’ve restored the grid’s resilience and efficiency. The N-1 contingency means the system can withstand unexpected faults without major disruptions. This not only improves power reliability for consumers but also reduces the financial and operational burden of maintaining temporary infrastructure,” he stated.
The firm said grid restoration works on the project involved the design, supply, and erection of six new transmission towers to replace collapsed structures near Longonot, as well as associated conductor stringing and Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) installations.
