KETRACO energises Kenya-Tanzania power line

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 15 – The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has completed the 400kV Kenya-Tanzania transmission line.  

The newly energized 510-kilometer interconnector links Kenya’s Isinya substation to Tanzania’s Singida substation, integrating the power grids of both nations.

On the Kenyan side, 96 kilometers of 400kV lines were constructed from Isinya to the Namanga border, while Tanzania added 414 kilometers from Namanga to Singida, including the new Arusha substation.

The project, undertaken in partnership with Tanzania Electricity Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) and Kenya Power, supports the Eastern Electricity Highway initiative, which aims to facilitate cross-border energy trade.

The 13-member Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) plans to begin formal trading in March 2025.

KETRACO Managing Director John Mativo highlighted the project’s impact during an EAPP conference, stating:

“This interconnector will enhance the reliability of our power systems, ensuring more sustainable and dependable electricity access across East Africa. It will also unlock opportunities for large-scale renewable energy projects, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing affordable power to countries reliant on fossil fuels.”

The project enables power exchanges among Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Egypt, and the Southern Africa Power Pool, promoting access to cheaper renewable energy and supporting regional economic growth.

A key element is the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Ethiopia’s Electric Power (EEP) and TANESCO, facilitating a 100 MW power trade through Kenya, with plans to increase to 200 MW in three years.

KETRACO and TANESCO’s wheeling agreement will generate revenue for Kenya by enabling the Ethiopia-Kenya-Tanzania (EKT) power transaction.

Financed by the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank at a combined cost of Sh4.9 billion, the interconnector represents a total investment of $309.26 million.