Kenya-Tanzania power project moves forward to meet its 2020 deadline

The Kenya-Tanzania Power Interconnection Project has moved forward with the division of lots and the commitment of contractors to set up a 510km 400kV transmission line and accompanying substations.

With the completion deadline set for 2020, the project is being implemented by the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) in collaboration with Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco).

The works in Kenya are financed by the government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) at a cost of $4.25 million and $22.42 million respectively, while the Tanzanian project costs $258 million and is funded by a loan from AfDB and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The objective of the Project is to ensure stable and reliable power supply in Tanzania and other East African countries.

The project will also help both countries replace high-cost thermal energy with cheaper hydropower, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the process.

By 2020, the double-circuit will run from Singida to Isinya in Kenya through Babati, Arusha and Namnga in Tanzania.

Kenya will extend its line to Ethiopia, while Tanzania will extend its line to Zambia, which will connect the East Africa region to the Southern African Power Pool where connected countries will be able to buy and sell electricity from each other.

The East African Power Master Plan (EAPMP), which was developed in 2003, recommended the establishment of a power pool to facilitate electricity trade and joint least cost power development planning in the region.