Kenya Power Launches New Live Line Maintenance Programme

Kenya Power has received KSh 2 billion worth of funding from the World Bank.

The funds are meant to support their live line maintenance programme that seeks to reduce planned electricity shutdowns, enhance the stability of power supply and improve revenue generation.

The firm will use the funds to procure additional insulated trucks, tools & accessories. Kenya Power will also use the funds to train staff in live line maintenance techniques and establish a laboratory for testing live line equipment.

Kenya Power staff during maintenance

The company recently launched the live line maintenance programme after a successful pilot phase. The pilot phase has been in place since 2016.

During the period, the company trained more than 70 staff to carry out maintenance of live power lines. 8 insulated trucks and 3 digger derricks were also available during the phase.

To date, a total of 144 live line maintenance staff have been trained. This brings the total number of live line staff to more than 200.

The company flagged off 24 additional trucks to all Kenya Power’s operational regions across the country during the launch ceremony.

“The Company is focused on the provision of quality power supply by strengthening electricity network and streamlining internal processes so as to improve customer experience and stakeholder confidence,” Jared Othieno, the acting Managing Director pointed out.

He added that the programme has reduced the number of planned shutdowns by approximately 40%.

The live line maintenance will mainly seek to connect new customers without completely switching off the supply. It will also involve changing rotten poles, repairing broken conductors and trace clearance.

Kenya Power is a limited liability company which transmits, distributes and retails electricity to customers throughout the country.