The sports category has moved to a new website.

Kenya now wants to electrify its largest infrastructure project since independence, the 472km standard gauge railway line from Mombasa to Nairobi

KETRACO plans to construct 12 transmission lines and 14 substations along the SGR line.

___9141772___2018___11___27___7___EATerminus2
  • In its latest Kenya Gazette notice NEMA says KETRACO and is seeking to construct 12 transmission lines and 14 substations along the SGR line.
  • The electrification process running the entire 472km line is expected to cost $240 million.

Through a gazette notice filed by National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has sought approval from the environmental watchdog to electrify the Sh327 billion ($3.2bn) line between Mombasa and Nairobi.

“Kenya Electricity Transmission Company is proposing to construct twelve (12) transmission lines and fourteen (14) substations for supply of high voltage power to the Nairobi-Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway Line (SGR) and the economic belt along the railway line,” said NEMA in a public call for views on the project, which is expected to take 28 months.

ADVERTISEMENT

In its latest Kenya Gazette notice NEMA says KETRACO and is seeking to construct 12 transmission lines and 14 substations along the SGR line and as a result filed an Environmental Impact Assessment test to be given the green light to go ahead.

“The proposed project will traverse five (5) counties: Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Makueni, and Machakos counties,”

The electrification process running the entire 472km line is expected to cost $240 million.

Ketraco in January signed a $240 million (Sh24.4 billion) loan deal with China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Company Limited (CET) for the electrification.

ADVERTISEMENT

The design of the SGR rail line, currently running on diesel-powered engines allows for the addition of a single electric line.

An electric track was mooted for fast movement of bigger containers and passengers in the quest to boost East Africa’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

The electricity is expected to spur growth of factories, businesses and urban centres along the railway line, Ketraco added.

ADVERTISEMENT

Since being launched in June 31st 2017 by President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Standard Gauge Railway has raked in more than Sh1 billion ($10m) in passenger sales.

According to Kenya Railways managing director Atanas Maina, the train dubbled Madaraka Express has within that period ferried 1.3 million passengers.

Kenya Railway biggest headache however remains its freight services which the country had relied to make the project commercially viable. The service has struggled to pick up since it was launched early this year.

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

African countries with the highest divorce rate

African countries with the highest divorce rate

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

ADVERTISEMENT