Companies

Power transmission firm Ketraco sees new line spurring industries

barasa

Ketraco managing director Fernandes Barasa. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) has completed powering of the Wote-Sultan Hamud line, which is expected to improve electricity reliability and jumpstart industries in the lower eastern region.

The 132kv line, which is part of the Sh8.1 billion project, is being financed by the Kenya Power Transmission System Improvement Programme and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The lower eastern has had no direct transmission line, forcing the region to depend on a long medium voltage distribution feeder from Kiboko substation. The medium voltage line was susceptible to faults that resulted in frequent and long durations of power outages in the area.

“The energisation of the Wote – Sultan Hamud transmission line and Wote substation means increased electricity access and reliable supply within Makueni county and other surrounding areas,” says Ketraco managing director Fernandes Barasa.

With the full completion of the Mwingi - Kitui - Wote - Sultan Hamud transmission line, the region will be supplied with energy from Kindaruma hydro plant and Garissa solar power plant through the Kindaruma – Mwingi – Garissa transmission line. The line is expected to have 99.9 per cent reliability and availability. The substation will be supplied from two alternative sources of power; Juja and Rabai.

Mr Barasa says the initiative will spur new economic development in Makueni County and ensure that existing industries run without interruption.