Substation commissioned to stabilize Nairobi power

Kenya Power has embarked on a plan to ensure stable supply of power in Nairobi and its environs.

The power distributor together with the Ministry of Energy has commissioned a 220/66 kilo volts substation in the city centre.

The gas insulated switch-gear (GIS) substation is part of the Nairobi City Centre Network Upgrade and Reinforcement Project that is aimed at improving of the power distribution system in Nairobi.

Kenya Power managing director Ken Tarus said the station would help in reduction of power outages and improve power supply.

The project cost Sh13.5 billion and included under grounding cable lines and construction of the substation.

“Our customers have experienced challenges because of our network and over head cabling. Underground cabling will avert interruptions that the country has experienced before .We expect a lot of improvement in terms of quality supply,” Mr Tarus said.

The substation will serve Nairobi West, Cathedral, Muthurwa, City Square, Parklands and Likoni Road to provide alternative supply points and stabilize the power distribution system around the city.

Energy cabinet secretary Charles Keter said there was need to stabilize power supply and replace the aging infrastructure

“We need to do a lot of things. We need to tighten up little things. We need to address cost of power that is high so that we can be under single digit. It’s high time Kenya Power change the strategy and move with speed,” Mr Keter said.

The 220 kilo volts underground transmission line will link the Embakasi substation to the new substation in the City Centre allowing transfer of bulk power from geothermal power plants in Olkaria.