Lake Turkana wind power project has finally been fully restored after sh207 million were set aside to restore the grid line. Households and businesses that have endured repeated blackouts tied to the Loiyangalani to Suswa line have cause to be thankful. Thanks to the project, they will soon get more reliable power after the 400kV line was rebuilt. The project by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) replaced six collapsed towers near Longonot. Moreover, it reconnected two circuits, restoring the line to full operation.
Crews also installed new conductor stringing and Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) to stabilize transmission and improve grid efficiency. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the restored capacity will allow the evacuation of up to 300 megawatts (MW) from the Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) project. It is regarded as Africa’s largest wind farm. “This improved reliability in power supply will boost investor confidence,” he said. He also noted that it would assure consumers of consistent access to electricity, which is critical for economic growth. Kenya is making tremendous steps in wind energy as the nation makes plans to construct the Kenya Wind Farm, poised to produce up to 1GW once complete.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
- Restores full 300 MW evacuation capacity from Africa’s largest wind farm.
- Boosts reliability of Kenya’s electricity supply, supporting households and businesses.
- Strengthens investor confidence and aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and climate commitments.
Infrastructure:
- Restoration of 400 kV Loiyangalani–Suswa transmission line.
- Six collapsed towers near Longonot replaced, with new conductor stringing and Optical Ground Wire (OPGW).
- Both circuits reinstated, enabling N-1 contingency and improved grid stability.
Developer/Consortium:
- Project executed by Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).
- Lake Turkana Wind Power contributes over 10% of Kenya’s national electricity supply.
- Backed by the Ministry of Energy, with oversight from Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
Funding/Timeline:
- Total restoration cost: KSh 207 million.
- Restoration completed in two phases: Circuit 1 energized on September 20, Circuit 2 on September 28.
- Permanent repairs replaced temporary bypasses, cutting maintenance costs and restoring full operational capacity.
The Scope of Implementation on the Lake Turkana Wind Power
The grid line restoration project on the Lake Turkana Wind Power has made it more reliable and dependable. Ketraco Acting Managing Director Kipkemoi Kibias said having both circuits running reinstates N-1 contingency. This means that the grid can withstand faults without major disruptions. “With both circuits now fully operational, we have restored the grid’s resilience and efficiency,” Wandayi noted. Furthermore, he added that it will reduce outages and cut costs previously incurred in maintaining temporary bypass infrastructure. The restoration was completed in two phases. Circuit 1 was energized on September 20.
Later, it was followed by Circuit 2 on September 28, marking full recovery of the transmission corridor. The Loiyangalani to Suswa line is a vital link for transmitting renewable energy from Marsabit County to the national grid. LTWP contributes more than 10 per cent of Kenya’s electricity supply. However, its collapse in recent years forced reliance on temporary bypasses that made the grid less stable and more expensive to maintain. Officials said completion of permanent repairs restores full operational capacity. Furthermore, it supports Kenya’s renewable energy plans under Vision 2030 and international climate commitments.
