KENYA ADVANCES TOWARD ENERGY INDEPENDENCE WITH SMART GRID BACKING FROM FRANCE, EU

The project as a critical leap toward building a modern power transmission network.

Kenya Energy infrastructure Investment Africa Project Finance Power transmission.
Dr. (Eng.) John Mativo, KETRACO Managing Director
Dr. (Eng.) John Mativo, KETRACO Managing Director


Kenya has taken a major step toward modernising its energy infrastructure and enhancing regional power integration, thanks to a €82.7 million (Sh12 billion) investment from the French government and further strategic support from the European Union.

The latest development came as Thani Mohamed Soilihi, French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, visited the National System Control Centre (NSCC) project site in Embakasi, Nairobi. The NSCC is a cutting-edge electricity grid management facility that is expected to enhance energy reliability and support Kenya’s transition to a smarter, greener power system.

The initiative is being implemented by a consortium comprising GE Vernova and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), under concessional financing from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Treasury. The project forms a core part of the broader €94 million AFD-funded RETNET programme.

Speaking during the visit, French Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Arnaud Suquet reaffirmed France’s long-term commitment to Kenya’s sustainable development goals.

“France is committed to supporting critical infrastructure that enhances sustainability, energy reliability, and economic growth. This project is a strong testament to the enduring partnership between Kenya and France,” said Suquet.

The NSCC, scheduled for completion by February 6, 2028, will be located at the Embakasi substation, with an Emergency Control Centre stationed at Suswa. Both centres will be equipped with state-of-the-art SCADA/EMS and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems, enabling real-time monitoring, improved asset performance, and seamless integration of renewable energy sources.

KETRACO Managing Director, Dr. (Eng.) John Mativo hailed the project as a critical leap toward building a modern power transmission network.

“This initiative demonstrates the Government’s commitment to building a modern and intelligent power system,” said Mativo.

Also present at the site was EU Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Henriette Geiger, who emphasised the NSCC’s alignment with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, a €300 billion investment roadmap aimed at boosting global infrastructure and connectivity.

“Together with the NSCC and the recently launched Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector, we are investing in infrastructure that enables cross-border energy trade and expands transmission capacity across East and Southern Africa,” Geiger stated.

Once operational, the NSCC will not only strengthen national grid reliability but also enhance Kenya’s readiness for integration into the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), promoting regional electricity trade and energy security.

The project is a milestone in Kenya’s journey toward energy independence, sustainability, and economic resilience, made possible through strategic international partnerships focused on long-term impact.

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