KETRACO Seeks Approval To Electrify SGR

Kenya Electric Transmission Company has filed an environment assessment petition to National Environment Management Authority seeking an approval to set up transmission lines along the Standard Gauge Railway, a move that will spearhead the electrification of the line.

“Ketraco, is proposing to construct 12 transmission lines and 14 sub-stations for supply of high voltage power to the Nairobi-Mombasa SGR line and the economic belt along the railway line,” Nema said through a gazette notice.

The design of the SGR rail line, which is now run by diesel-power locomotives, will allow for the design of a single electric line.

In January, KETRACO signed a Ksh24.4 billion loan deal with China Electric Power Equipment Power and Technology for the electrification.

China Road Bridge and Corporation, which was appointed to build the Nairobi-Mombasa railway line, will be offered a 15 per cent over the current construction costs to construct the line.