KETRACO completes Sh1.3b transmission line to Konza City

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has completed a 12 kilometer power line linking the 73 megawatt Konza City substation to ease power supply to the technopolis and its environs.

The Sh1.3 billion project was funded by the Export and Import Bank of India and the government.

The new power lines and substations will increase reliability of power by providing an alternative electricity supply line shortening the length of the existing Athi River- Salama feeder.

The power supply will come as welcome relief to the stalled Sh589 billion Konza City project that aims to transform Kenya into the silicon savannah by having I.T companies operating from the technopolis.

KETRACO Managing Director Fernandes Baraza said supply of power to Konza will allow investors to proceed with construction of facilities at the park.

“The Konza substation will ensure that Konza Techno City has adequate and reliable power to meet the power needs for the medium term,” Mr Barasa said.

Konza is among the Vision 2030 flagship project which is expected to create at least 2,000 jobs by the end of phase 1. The technopolis is expected to host ICT research centers, a university complex, offices, residential houses and parks.

The new transmission line involved the construction of a 132kV single circuit line and two 132/33kV substations at Machakos and Konza. The Konza substation will tap a mixture of hydro, geothermal and thermal power through Loop-In-Loop-Out arrangement to ensure stability of power.