The signing ceremony of the PPP agreement.
This initiative will be entirely funded and executed by the private partners, without utilizing public resources.
The scope includes design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the transmission lines along with related substations.
Africa50 operates as an infrastructure investment platform backed by 33 African governments, two African central banks, the African Development Bank Group, and South Africa's Public Investment Corporation.
The enhancements are designed to strengthen grid stability, facilitate incorporation of renewable sources, and improve electricity distribution in Western and Northern Kenya.
Initiated in 2018 as a private proposal, the project gained procurement clearance under Section 61 of the PPP Act in July 2021.
One corridor features an approximately 180-kilometre, 400kV double-circuit line from Lessos to Loosuk, incorporating a new 400/220kV substation at Lessos and a 400kV switching station at Loosuk.
The second involves a roughly 72-kilometre, 220kV double-circuit line from Kibos to Kakamega to Musaga, with a 2x45MVA, 220/33kV substation at Kakamega and a 2x90MVA, 220/132kV substation at Musaga.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Energy Opiyo Wandayi EGH said: "This partnership between KETRACO and Africa50-PowerGrid consortium demonstrates the strength of Kenya's investment environment and the confidence of global partners in our energy agenda.?We are not only accelerating access to reliable and affordable electricity, but also laying the foundation for industrialisation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth. This is how we turn policy into progress."
Under the terms, Africa50 and Power Grid Corporation of India will establish a dedicated project entity responsible for the full lifecycle management over a 30-year concession.
The infrastructure aligns with Kenya's Least Cost Power Development Plan and KETRACO’s Transmission Master Plan.
It plays a key role in connecting geothermal resources from the Baringo-Silali area and wind generation from the Lake Turkana facility.
In October 2024, KETRACO formed another collaboration with Adani Energy Solutions to further develop national electricity networks.
This fully private-sector approach enables specialized expertise in high-voltage systems, ensuring efficient implementation and long-term upkeep.
By leveraging international partnerships, Kenya advances grid modernization without direct fiscal commitments.
The selected corridors target underserved regions, enhancing connectivity for residential, commercial, and industrial users.
Substation additions provide voltage transformation and switching capabilities essential for stable power flow.
Concession-based management promotes performance incentives, maintaining asset quality throughout the period.
Integration of renewables supports diversified energy mix, contributing to reliable supply from clean sources.
The project's progression from proposal to agreement illustrates effective regulatory frameworks for infrastructure delivery.
Private financing and operation reduce public expenditure while attracting technical capabilities from established operators.
Overall, the initiative strengthens transmission backbone, facilitating broader access to electricity and supporting sustained development goals.
