Ongoing Kenya-Tanzania Power interconnection project to link entire East African countries

Kenya and Tanzania have commenced the construction of a joint power project that will observe 510 kilometer elongating 400 kilovolt transmission line constructed from Singida to Isinya with various substations in between.

The Kenya-Tanzania Power Interconnection Project is being financed by a gigantic loan of USD 259 million from Japanese International Cooperation Agency and Africa Development Bank. The project is being implemented by Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco).

According to Construction Review Online, the project has been segregated into several phases. Senior manager of Tanesco, Emmanuel Manirabona said phase one of the project will be from Singida to Bahati and Indian firm Kalpataru Power is behind the construction. The second phase stretching from Bahati to Arusha will be constructed by Bouygues Energies & Services of France.

On the other part, Kenya will construct transmission lines to Ethiopia while Tanzania extends to Zambia as they seek to connect the entire East African countries to facilitate easy buying and selling of electricity. The two nations will enjoy reduced operational and production costs as the construction of 5 modern sub-stations will ensure smooth sharing of power and also replace over-dependence on thermal energy with hydropower.

"This is a win-win project for both Kenya and Tanzania we will witness more strong business ties between ourselves as we aim to bring on board our neighbouring countries too," Emmanuel Manirabona said.