- Kenya pioneers the first independent power transmission project
- Seeks to increase private sector participation in transmission
The Kenyan government has signed an agreement with Africa50 and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PowerGrid) to construct the continents first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) transmission project. The project involves the development, finance, construction and operation of the 400kV Lessos-Loosuk and 220kV Kisumu-Musaga transmission lines.
The project, which promises to pioneer independent transmission grids in Africa, will be Kenya’s first Independent Power Transmission (IPT). It will help improve the electricity supply in Western Kenya and boost private sector participation in the transmission subsector.
“In the past few years, a lot of emphasis has been placed on attracting private investments in energy production infrastructure in Africa. It is time to also focus on catalysing private investment into the development of power transmission networks across Africa as these are a critical link to improving electricity access, especially in underserved communities.” Africa50 Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alain Ebobisse said.
The Chairman and Managing Director PowerGrid, Shri K. Sreekant speaking on the development, said, “A robust transmission network not only imparts reliability and security to the electricity grid but also allows non-discriminatory access to buyers and sellers which spurs the competition that results into competitive electricity prices to ultimate consumer.”
”PowerGrid hopes that the present transmission project in Kenya shall serve as a model for undertaking more of such projects in Kenya as well as other African countries,” Sreekant added.
Africa50 will handle project development and financing, while PowerGrid will provide technical and operational expertise.