An ultra-modern 220kv gas insulated substation has been commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The gas insulated substation, which is a high voltage substation in which the major structures are contained in a sealed environment, will improve power supply in Nairobi, and will handle power coming from Olkaria Geothermal Power Station and also create an alternative power chain for Nairobi city. The project, which cost Kshs 13 billion, is set to improve the power quality in the city centre, coupled with serving industrial area, Upper Hill, Mombasa Road, the Central Business District, Kilimani area, and Lower Hill.
Speaking at GIS station at Bunyala Road, President Kenyatta said it will create a contingency in electricity supply and enhance the reliability of power in the area. He said the initiative is a boost to manufacturing, as a key pillar of the Big Four Agenda, “This initiative feeds into one of the key pillars of the Big Four Agenda, Enhancing manufacturing to create quality jobs for Kenyans.”
He outlined that the government is keen to increase the transmission and distribution network for power. With over 1400 km of transmission lines completed since 2013, and a total of 33,900 km of distribution lines in place and 69 substations completed in the same time length, the President said industries have enjoyed more stable power and fewer outages have been experienced in houses. He further said the government will take measures to control vandalism, after it was noted vandalism is one of the main reason why infrastructure development costs increase after initial plans. He was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, Energy CS Charles Keter among other leaders.