The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) signed a landmark contract worth Ksh11.6 billion (approximately €80.7 million) on October 1 to construct a new National System Control Center (NSCC) in Embakasi East, Nairobi. This state-of-the-art facility aims to modernize Kenya’s electricity transmission infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of power supply across the country.

KETRACO announced that the new NSCC will replace the outdated control center currently located in Juja, providing a centralized hub for managing the national grid. The project, funded by the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), is expected to be completed within 36 months.

“The National System Control Centre is essential for the efficient operation of the grid,” stated KETRACO Managing Director John Mativo. “As Kenya’s energy demand grows—surging from 550 Megawatts in the 1980s to over 2,200 Megawatts today—we must adapt our infrastructure accordingly.”

In addition to managing existing power distribution, the new center will facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources and ensure grid stability. A backup facility will also be constructed at KETRACO’s Suswa substation to monitor asset performance effectively.

Mativo added, “This new facility will support our growing grid, which now includes three regional high-voltage interconnectors and increasing renewable energy contributions.” The NSCC is positioned to be a critical asset in maintaining reliable electricity supply for Kenyan consumers and industries alike.