Kenya Power Says KSh1.01 Billion Projects To Connect Lodwar To National Grid Near Completion

Kenya Power is nearing completion of two projects that will connect Lodwar, the commercial hub of Turkana County in northern Kenya, to the national electricity grid, the company said.

The projects comprise a 66/11kV substation in Lodwar and a 90-km (56-mile) 66kV transmission line between Lokichar and Lodwar. They are funded by the Kenyan government at a combined cost of KSh1.01 billion ($7.8 million).

Once completed, the projects are expected to provide more stable and reliable electricity to more than 80,000 residents in Lodwar and surrounding areas, Kenya Power said.

“This is one of those projects which we hold very dear to us,” Kenya Power Managing Director and Chief Executive Joseph Siror said in a statement.

Residents of Lodwar and its environs currently rely on diesel-powered generators operated by Kenya Power. The company spends about KSh900 million a year running the generators, which have struggled to meet demand, particularly during periods of high temperatures, resulting in breakdowns and power rationing, it said.

“Connecting this town to the grid means that the residents here will enjoy stable and reliable electricity to power their livelihoods,” Siror said.

The grid connection is also expected to reduce the use of diesel generators and associated emissions.

“The cost of extending the power line from Lokichar to Lodwar is almost the same as what we are currently using to fuel the generators in a year,” Siror said.

“Once these projects are complete, we are looking at a situation where what we are saving just in terms of diesel costs for a year is equivalent to the cost of building the line and the substation.”

Kenya Power said the grid connection could support growth in livestock trade, tourism, agribusiness and mining, while creating employment opportunities in the county.

It is also expected to improve access to electricity for schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and information and communications technology hubs. Reliable power could help hospitals and clinics maintain vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies, the company said.