China Aerospace Construction Group (CACG) is partnering up with Kenya’s Ministry of Energy to construct the 40-km 400kV Isinya-Konza power transmission line, which will not only power Konza City but Kajiado, Makueni, and Machakos counties as well.
The power project, which is to be completed within 30 months, will include the construction of four 250km high voltage power transmission and distribution lines. The project will also include the expansion of eight power transformation stations and will be funded by the China Exim Bank.
According to Li Naihong, China Aerospace’s deputy general manager, the project is in line with their goals. The construction of this line demonstrates our commitment to creating tailored solutions that make the greatest difference to our client, Kenya Electricity Transmission Company, as well as the power transmission system in Kenya,” he said.
The partnership seeks to help transform Konza into Kenya’s Silicon Savannah that will contribute tremendously to the country’s technological development. According to Charles Keter, CS Energy, the move will see Konza actualize the Silicon Valley dream. Konza will spur innovation as the project will offer a secure and stable power guarantee for the businesses.
“Access to reliable power supply is the biggest enabler of the Kenyan government’s Big Four agenda. The access to electricity in 2013 was about 29%, although currently, it stands at 75%,” he said.
Zhao Xiyuan, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said China is committed to supporting Kenya in developing technology and realising industrialisation.
“This project will be completed and put into operation at an early date and it will be playing an important role in the actualisation of the Big Four agenda and the development of Konza Technopolis,” he said.
