KETRACO awards Sh9.6bn Turkana power line deal to Chinese firms

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has awarded a Sh9.6 billion contract to a group of Chinese companies for the installation of a transmission lines to evacuate power from Lake Turkana Wind Power.

This follows the cancellation of contract with Isolux from Spain after it was placed under receivership, pushing back completion of the project.

The group made up of NARI Group Corporation and Power China Guizhou Engineering Company, expects to complete the project by August.

Lake Turkana Wind Power is generating 310 megawatts of electricity that once injected to the national grid is expected to lower electricity costs.

The power firm has already fined the government Sh5.1 billion for failing to evacuate power.

KETRACO managing director Fernandes Barasa said the government would facilitate the contractors to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

“Everything will be fast-tracked to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated time and we assure facilitation of work permits and tight security to enable the delivery of the project,” Mr Barasa said during the contract signing.

The consortium will construct the 428 kilometer power line evacuating power from the project site in Loyangalani, Marsabit County to the Suswa substation in Narok.

NARI Group Corporation general manager Chen Chao said he was aware of the significance and the urgency of the project and that they shall be hitting the ground running to ensure fast implementation of the project within the period.

“We have outlined a methodology that will accelerate the process and I am confident that we will deliver as per the contract,” Mr Chao said.

Since completion of the wind farm, Lake Turkana Wind Power has been pushing for payment to be able to honor loan repayments.

The Loyangalani wind farm is the largest wind power project in Africa.