Kenya's £990 million transmission line project

4 September 2009

Transmissions lines will be built to link Kenya with Ethiopia and Tanzania to reinforce the existing network and allow the latter states access to long-term low tariffs, Capital Business magazine has reported.

The Sh123 billion (£990 million) project from recently formed Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KENTRACO) will be a big step in improving transmission infrastructure.

Major lines will connect Rabai, Mombasa, Malindi, Garsen and Lamu. Links between Nairobi and Mombasa are also being planned, as are some in Lesos.

In an interview with the publication, the company's acting CEO Joel Kiilu said that these developments were long coming.

"The government has realised that there's need for this country to have more transmission lines. For us to be able to spur economic growth, there has to be electricity in all parts of the country," he explained.

Another development on the Kenya front was the recent announcement of intentions to build a 365-strong wind farm, the largest in Africa.

This project is being back by the African Development Bank.

Category: Energy