Kenya Power to install new lines for Nairobi

By MACHARIA KAMAU

Kenya Power is constructing three new alternative power lines to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) at a cost of Sh273 million with the aim of stabilising and improving reliability of electricity supply. Upper Hill area will also benefit from the new investments.

Acting Managing Director of the power firm, Dr Ben Chumo said the quality of power supply to the CBD and its environs will significantly improve upon completion of the projects thereby minimising power interruptions.

Chumo on Tuesday inspected work to lay a high voltage (66kV) underground cable from Parklands substation in Ngara to the company’s Cathedral substation adjacent to Laico Regency, from where CBD customers are supplied. The cable and associated works, to cost Sh50 million, is being installed by the company’s own Central Construction unit.  He said that the underground cable from Parklands to the substation will be reinforced and better protected to deter vandals who have in the past cut it severally causing unwarranted and costly outages for businesses and commercial operators in the CBD. 

He disclosed that work was also in progress to construct one kilometre of high voltage (66kV) overhead line from Nairobi South substation in Donholm to Buruburu. The line will continue for six kilometres as an underground cable to a new substation in Muthurwa on Landhies Road, at a cost of Sh213 million.  

The firm is also constructing a 2.1 kilometre high voltage (66kV) overhead line and 400 metres of underground cable between Ngong Road substation and the newly constructed Ragati substation at Upper Hill.