KETRACO to build Ksh.11.6B control centre to increase efficiency of national grid

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has signed a deal to construct a new National System Control Center (NSCC) in Embakasi, Nairobi. 

The new facility aims to improve the stability, reliability and efficiency of the national power grid in a bid to upgrade Kenya’s Electricity Transmission Infrastructure.

Kenya has witnessed frequent blackouts, with some blamed on failure in the national grid occasioned by system disturbance on the transmission network.

Major blackouts have affected businesses across the country, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) being one of the affected facilities. 

Recently, the power outage brought Kenya's busiest airport to a standstill, causing disruptions to flights and passenger services.

The NSCC project, expected to be completed in 36 months, will serve as the main hub for managing electricity supply. 

It aims to address the current system's limitations by offering better monitoring and advanced tools for grid management. A backup facility will also be built at KETRACO's Suswa substation to maintain control during emergencies.

“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,” KETRACO said in a statement on Tuesday. 

The project, costing € 80.7 million (Ksh.11,618,294,700), is funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the French Ministry of Finance. 

The NSCC will be crucial for reducing power outages, improving grid reliability, and integrating renewable energy into the system.

KETRACO, established in 2008, is responsible for building and maintaining Kenya's high voltage power transmission lines. 

The new NSCC will support KETRACO’s goals of expanding electricity access, improving power quality, and reducing the blackouts that have impacted businesses, homes and critical facilities like JKIA across the country.