KETRACO Inspects National System Control Centre Project at 27 Percent Completion

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Acting Managing Director Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias has inspected progress on the National System Control Centre project. The facility is intended to transform Kenya’s electricity grid into a more robust, efficient and regionally integrated system.

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

Both centres will be equipped with high-performance Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Energy Management Systems, together with an Enterprise Asset Management system. The works also include full integration of substation outstations and a comprehensive upgrade of the communication network to support secure data exchange across the national grid.

Civil works currently stand at 27.3 percent completion. The project remains on course for completion on 8 February 2028. Officials describe the NSCC as a critical step toward greater grid stability, reliability and regional connectivity.

Modern control centres allow real-time monitoring of power flows, voltage levels and system frequency. Operators can detect disturbances quickly and initiate corrective actions before they cascade into wider outages. Dual redundancy ensures that a failure at one site does not disable national control capability.

Integration of existing substations into the new system will require careful sequencing so that live operations continue without interruption. Upgraded communication links are essential for the high-volume, low-latency data exchange that modern SCADA and EMS platforms demand. Cybersecurity considerations form part of the design given the critical nature of the infrastructure.

KETRACO’s mandate covers planning, design, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance of high-voltage transmission infrastructure. The NSCC supports the company’s evolution into a fully fledged Transmission System Operator capable of managing an increasingly complex grid that incorporates more renewable generation and cross-border interconnectors.

Growing electricity demand from industry, commercial centres and households places additional pressure on system operators. Accurate situational awareness and rapid response capability reduce the risk of prolonged interruptions that affect economic activity. The February 2028 target provides a clear timeline for contractors and internal teams.

Inspection visits by senior management help identify bottlenecks early and maintain momentum on multi-year projects. Progress at 27 percent indicates that foundational civil works are advancing, clearing the way for subsequent installation of specialised control equipment.

Successful delivery of the National System Control Centre will strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional electricity hub and improve the resilience of the domestic power system. Continued oversight and coordination among stakeholders will be required to keep the project on schedule and within technical specifications.