The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) is set to build a power line between Narok and Bomet.
The electricity power lines are anticipated to connect parts of South Rift and South Nyanza to reliable and cheaper power produced at the Olkaria geothermal fields.
Ketraco said the line is expected to reduce power blackouts being experienced in the areas.
Moreover, the company attributed unstable power to inadequate electricity generating capacity by plants located in the western Kenya region including Sondu and Turkwell that must be complemented by imports from Uganda.
Furthermore, the power outages are caused by power transmission losses that occur when electricity is transmitted over long distances.
In addition, Bomet and the nearby areas are served by power transmitted through the Olkaria-Lessos line.
According to Ketraco, the 81-kilometre 132-kilovolt line would cost Sh2.1 billion to construct. Moreover, the African Development Bank and Korea Exim Bank will finance it.
“The proposed project seeks to establish a more reliable power supply with improved voltage profiles via the establishment of a line linking the Olkaria geothermal generation plants to the South Rift and western region transmission network,” said Ketraco.
The company further noted that the project will improve supply quality and reliability to the said regions of the country, as it will provide an alternative route for evacuation of power from Olkaria geothermal plants.
“The project is justifiable in that it will stabilize power supply and improve transmission line security hence cushioning against losses occasioned by power failures and blackouts.” Stated Ketraco.
Nonetheless, the grid connects Olkaria to Narok but there is no high-voltage line taking the power from Olkaria onwards to Bomet.
Hence, with the high voltage power line, Ketraco expects to supply Kisii and South Nyanza with more stable power.
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