KETRACO Inspects National System Control Centre as Civil Works Reach 27 Percent

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Acting Managing Director Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias has conducted an inspection of the National System Control Centre project. The visit focused on the progress of ongoing civil works for a facility expected to transform Kenya’s electricity grid into a more robust, efficient and regionally integrated system.

The project covers the design, supply and installation of a dual-redundant national control system. It aims to enhance KETRACO’s capacity as the Transmission System Operator in line with the Kenya National Transmission Grid Code. The main Control Centre will be located at the Embakasi Substation. A mirrored Emergency Control Centre will be established at the Suswa Substation Complex.

Both centres will be fitted with high-performance Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems and Energy Management Systems. An Enterprise Asset Management system will also be installed. The works include full integration of substation outstations and a comprehensive upgrade of the communication network to enable seamless and secure data exchange across the national grid.

Civil works currently stand at 27.3 percent completion. The project remains scheduled for completion on 8 February 2028. Officials view the National System Control Centre as a foundational investment in grid stability, reliability and regional connectivity.

Modern control centres give operators real-time visibility of power flows, voltage conditions and system frequency. Rapid detection of disturbances allows corrective action before problems spread. Dual redundancy means that a failure at one site does not leave the national grid without central control capability.

Integration of existing substations into the new platform requires careful sequencing so that live operations continue without interruption. Upgraded communication infrastructure is essential for the high-volume, low-latency data exchange demanded by contemporary SCADA and EMS platforms. Cybersecurity forms an integral part of the design given the critical nature of the asset.

KETRACO’s mandate includes planning, design, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance of high-voltage transmission infrastructure. The National System Control Centre supports the company’s role as Transmission System Operator as the grid incorporates more renewable generation and cross-border interconnectors.

Rising electricity demand from industry, commercial centres and households increases the need for accurate situational awareness and fast response. Prolonged outages carry direct economic costs. The February 2028 target provides a clear timeline for contractors and internal teams.

Senior management inspections help identify bottlenecks early and sustain momentum on multi-year projects. Progress at 27 percent shows that foundational civil works are advancing, clearing the path for later installation of specialised control equipment and systems.

Successful delivery of the National System Control Centre will strengthen Kenya’s electricity transmission capability and improve the resilience of the domestic power system. Continued coordination among project teams and stakeholders will be required to keep the programme on schedule and within technical specifications.