Construction of the Olkaria – Narok transmission line project in Kenya nears completion. The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) said the 63Km line is expected to be completed by November this year.
According to project Engineer Nicholas Kandie, the project is 80% complete and all the foundation works were already done with only the erection of 20 towers remaining before the project is commissioned. Eng Kendie also noted the power fluctuation that has been experienced between 7pm and 9 pm will be sorted out as Narok will now have an independent power line.
“Once this project is completed, power outages in Narok and its surrounding areas will be a thing of the past,” said Kandie.
Also Read:Kenya to construct a new geothermal transmission line
Road to green electricity
The system improvement project commenced on July 15th 2019 and involves the construction of the 68km 132kV double circuit transmission line from Olkaria to Narok, a new 132/33kV substation at Narok and extension of the existing Olkaria substation. China CAMC Engineering Company Limited was awarded the contract to develop the project.
Upon completion, the line will increase electricity access within Narok County and its surrounding areas. This will transform the areas into attractive locations of agro-based and general industries thus going a long way into supporting the devolved governments. Additionally it will and decrease its dependency on thermal power plants and imports from Uganda. The local hydro power plant has been less reliable due to irregular water supply.
Kenya has recorded great opportunities for the geothermal sector with several new transmission infrastructure including electricity transmission grid with Ethiopia’s grid. This could mean an interesting green electricity export opportunity for Kenya.
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