Kenya, France boost power grid with Sh12 billion Project

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) got a boost on the national electricity transmission grid from the France government.

On Friday, Thani Mohamed Soilihi, the French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships was hosted at the site of the National System Control Centre (NSCC) project in Embakasi, Nairobi.

The event underscored the deepening bilateral collaboration between Kenya and France in strengthening national energy infrastructure and supporting the transition to renewable energy.

The NSCC project-valued at sh 12 billion-is a flagship initiative jointly financed by France through concessional loan from the French Development Agency (AFD) and concessional loan from the French Treasury.

Construction is being undertaken by a consortium of GE Vernova and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), bringing together advanced technology and engineering expertise.

Designed to modernize the national electricity transmission grid, the NSCC will play a pivotal role in stabilizing power distribution, reducing outages, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources.

It also promises substantial social and economic benefits, including improved access to electricity and reduced transmission losses.

Speaking during the visit, French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, emphasized France's continued commitment to Kenya's energy transition.

"France is proud to support critical infrastructure that boosts sustainability and economic growth. This project strengthens Kenya's power reliability and is a clear symbol of our enduring energy and climate partnership," he said.

The NSCC forms part of the broader EUR94 million AFD RETNET program, which includes the development of a digital substation in Makindu, technical assistance, sectoral studies, and the completion of Nairobi Ring infrastructure. Additionally, the European Union has provided a EUR7 million grant, managed by AFD, to support grid management capacity building, with KETRACO as the primary beneficiary.

PS Wachira highlighted the strategic importance of the NSCC not just for Kenya, but for regional power integration. "This facility will link Kenya with national grids in Eastern and Southern Africa, paving the way for greater electricity trade across borders," he said.

The site visit follows the recent launch of the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector in Lusaka on April 11, 2025-another major milestone in regional energy collaboration supported by the European Union.

Once operational, the NSCC will serve as a critical control hub for cross-border power flows across the African power pools.

With more than EUR1 billion in ongoing and completed energy financing, Kenya currently holds the largest energy portfolio for AFD in East Africa, cementing its place as a key partner in France's international energy strategy.