Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (Ketraco) has acquired two high-voltage transformers to be used to complete the 220kV Turkwel – Ortum – Kitale transmission project.

The 220/132kV 90MVA transformer weighing 70 tonnes will be utilised at the Kitale sub-station and another weighing 40 tonnes will be installed at the 220/33kV Ortum substation.

The transmission project will provide an alternative transmission evacuation route for Turkwel Hydro Power Plant to the national grid ensuring Kitale and Eldoret receive power from two different directions; Turkwel and Lessos.

It will improve power quality and reliability in West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and, Nandi Counties and strengthen supplies to the entire Western Kenya. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, said the project has the potential to catapult the region into a strategic zone for foreign investments, promoting industrialiation, and fostering innovation.

“Reliable electricity infrastructure is a requisite for higher productivity, and increased competitiveness in the global markets. Industries heavily rely on electricity to operate machinery, run production lines, and power manufacturing processes,” he said at Ortum sub-station .