The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has signed an agreement to construct a new National System Control Center (NSCC) in Embakasi, Nairobi. This facility is aimed at enhancing the stability, reliability, and efficiency of Kenya’s national power grid as part of an effort to upgrade the country’s electricity transmission infrastructure.
Kenya has been plagued by frequent blackouts, some of which have been attributed to failures in the national grid caused by disturbances in the transmission network. These major outages have had significant impacts on businesses nationwide, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) being notably affected. Recently, a power outage caused major disruptions at Kenya’s busiest airport, impacting flights and passenger services.
The NSCC project, expected to take 36 months to complete, will serve as the central hub for managing electricity supply. It aims to overcome current system limitations by providing enhanced monitoring and advanced tools for grid management. Additionally, a backup facility will be constructed at KETRACO’s Suswa substation to ensure control during emergencies.
KETRACO stated, “The project will also involve the construction of a backup facility at KETRACO’s Suswa substation, which will be vital in managing asset performance and monitoring the grid. This facility will be the first of its kind in the region.”
The project is estimated to cost €80.7 million (approximately Ksh. 11.6 billion) and is funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the French Ministry of Finance. The NSCC is expected to play a critical role in reducing power outages, enhancing grid reliability, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy into the system.
Established in 2008, KETRACO is responsible for the construction and maintenance of Kenya’s high-voltage power transmission lines. The new NSCC will support KETRACO’s objectives of expanding electricity access, improving power quality, and minimizing blackouts that have adversely affected businesses, households, and vital facilities like JKIA throughout the country.
