Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, will get power boost after President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the 220Kv ultra-modern gas insulated sub-station aimed at improving the quality of power in Nairobi’s City Centre.
The substation which is part of the Nairobi City Centre Network Upgrade and Reinforcement Project will serve the entire Central Business District (CBD) and its environs including; Industrial area, Mombasa road, Upperhill, Lower hill and Kilimani areas.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) on Bunyala Road, President Kenyatta said that the substation would create additional contingency in electricity supply thus enhancing the reliability of power in the area.
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The Kes.13.2 billion project is being implemented by TBEA of China and is funded by the Exim Bank of China through a twenty-year concessional loan.
Gas Insulated Substations (GIS) are compact, reliable, low-maintenance, high voltage substations, in which the major structures are contained in a sealed environment.
According to the government, over 1400Km of transmission lines have been completed since 2013, with another 2300Km in progress and over the past five years, a total of 33,900 km of distribution lines and 69 new substations have been completed.
“This has seen industries enjoy more stable power and households experiencing reduced power outages,” said the President.
The new substation is the first of its kind in East and Central Africa.