Kenya: Transmission line to boost geothermal energy flow

The double-circuit line will create a secondary evacuation corridor for Olkaria’s geothermal output

Kenya has broken ground on the 81 kilometre 132kV Narok–Bomet transmission line, a key infrastructure project aimed at improving electricity reliability and facilitating the transfer of surplus geothermal power from the Olkaria Geothermal Complex to western parts of the country.

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) confirmed that excavation works have begun for the first tower foundation on the route, which will run from Narok through Bomet to link with the existing network towards Sotik and Kisii.

Transmission line to help evacuate geothermal energy in Kenya

Once completed, the double-circuit line will provide an alternative electricity supply path to South Nyanza via the Olkaria–Narok–Bomet–Sotik–Kisii/Kegati route. 

It will also create a secondary evacuation corridor for Olkaria’s geothermal output, easing pressure on the currently overloaded Lessos–Muhoroni–Chemosit–Sotik–Kisii/Kegati line.

The project is expected to enhance system resilience, reduce transmission constraints and enable the retirement of the ageing 60MW Muhoroni gas turbine.

Funded under the Kenya Transmission Network Improvement Project, the line is financed by:

• the African Development Bank (AfDB) KSh 7.6 billion (around $58.46 million),
• the National Treasury KSh 646m (around $4.97 million) and
• the Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund KSh 7.36 billion (around $56.62m).

“KETRACO is pleased to report that excavation works for the first tower foundation of the 81 km 132 kV Narok–Bomet Transmission Line have commenced.”

Attacks on energy infrastructure on the rise in Kenya

Meanwhile, the Kenya News Agency reported that the government has urged security officers to step up efforts in tackling electricity vandals, particularly those targeting critical infrastructure like power transformers.

Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said that vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure in Kenya was on the rise.

Speaking at Kandutura village in Laikipia North Constituency recently where he commissioned a rural electrification project under the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy (REREC), Wachira said: “We are asking the security team to ensure they crack down the vandals that are sabotaging the work of the government. Those are economic saboteurs that are derailing our development agenda as a country.”

He also announced that the government was considering resuming the project meant to develop and maintain high voltage power transmission lines. 

This project stalled after the government cancelled the deal between Adani Energy Solutions and KETRACO.

Wachira noted that the government intended to generate geothermal power from the Menengai area in Nakuru County and establish substations in Ol-Kalouarea in Nyandarua County and Rumuruti in Laikipia County to help ease power supplies in the region.

He said the government would be re-initiating the project through a public private partnership.

Cover photo:   KETRACO staff recently broke ground on the 81 kilometre 132 kV Narok–Bomet Transmission Line. Source: KETRACO/X