In a move to strengthen regional energy cooperation, Kenya and Tanzania have embarked on a joint venture to establish a robust electrical transmission line with a budget of $309 million.
The transmission line, equipped with a transfer capacity of 2,000 megawatts, will enable both countries to efficiently share surplus electricity.
Once completed, the Kenya-Tanzania connection will not only facilitate power exchange between the two nations but also bolster the exchange of energy among electrical pools in East and Southern Africa. This ambitious project aims to enhance regional collaboration and support the overall development of the energy sector in the region.
Kenya, eager to import and export electricity with its neighbouring country, Tanzania, has set in motion the construction of a Ksh43 billion ($309.26 million) electrical transmission line. According to Davis Chirchir, the Energy Cabinet Secretary, preparations for the commissioning of the 507.5-kilometre transmission line by December are underway, including the installation of meters along the route.
The Kenyan section of the transmission line spans approximately 93 kilometres, running from Isinya substation to Namanga. However, concerns were raised about the project’s timely completion due to delays in compensating those affected by the construction along the Kenyan side’s wayleave.
Apart from enabling the utilization of Ethiopia’s hydropower resources, this transmission line, designed with a transfer capacity of 2,000 megawatts, will foster bilateral trade in excess electricity between Kenya and Tanzania. Speaking on Tuesday, the Energy Cabinet Secretary expressed confidence in the project’s progress, stating, “The 400-kilovolt line is complete, and we should commence operations before the end of the year, allowing the two countries to share surplus power.”
He further explained, “We are currently in the process of installing meters between now and September, as the stringing work along the Isinya-Namanga section has been completed. The delay was primarily due to wayleave compensation issues.”
Tanzania had initially announced its plans to export electricity to Kenya back in 2016, with the first shipments anticipated to reach Nairobi by 2018. However, since November of the previous year, Ethiopia has become Kenya’s primary supplier of imported electricity under a 25-year agreement.
During the three months leading up to March, Kenya exported 218.29 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, while Uganda exported 69.31 million kWh. Nevertheless, there were no imports of electricity from Tanzania during that period.
The establishment of the Kenya-Tanzania connection will not only enhance power trade between the two countries but also establish a link between the electrical pools in East and Southern Africa. This interconnection aims to facilitate power exchange between these regions, ultimately bolstering the overall energy supply in the area.
