Kenya Power to connect Lodwar to national grid at Sh1bn

NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Power plans to invest Sh1 billion to bring Lodwar Town in Turkana County onto the national grid, as part of its efforts to transition away from diesel-powered electricity generation. The utility company is building a 66/11kV Lodwar substation and a 90-kilometre 66kV transmission line between Lokichar and Lodwar.

Upon completion, the project is projected to power over 80,000 residents, benefiting homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses, and provide capacity for future demand. Kenya Power's Managing Director and CEO, Joseph Siror, emphasized the significance of this project, stating that it is a priority for Kenya Power. He noted that the people of this area have depended on diesel generators for decades, which have proven ineffective, particularly in the region's high temperatures, leading to frequent breakdowns.

Currently, Lodwar and its surrounding areas rely on diesel-powered generators, which cost around Sh900 million annually to operate. These generators have struggled to meet increasing electricity demand, with the county's high temperatures exacerbating issues of frequent breakdowns and power rationing. Siror stated, "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."

Once the new transmission line and substation are completed, Kenya Power anticipates significant savings from reduced diesel costs, equivalent to the expense of building the line and substation.