Kenya's KETRACO and Adani Join Forces for Power Grid Expansion

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) and Adani Energy Solutions have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to enhance Kenya's electricity infrastructure, as reported by the news service ANI. Under this collaboration, Adani Energy will develop three transmission lines and two substations. Additionally, Adani will assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the transmission lines for a period of 30 years. Upon the expiration of this term, the entire infrastructure will be handed over to KETRACO. This collaboration promises a significant upgrade to Kenya's national power grid through an investment of 736 million USD, thereby strengthening the country's supply network. Opiyo Wandayi, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, stated that this infrastructure project aims to improve the national grid and ensure reliable access to electricity. Wandayi highlighted, "This agreement marks the beginning of a fundamental initiative to develop, finance, construct, operate, and maintain key transmission lines and substations across Kenya. This step supports the country's growing economy and development goals." A distinctive feature of this agreement is that the Kenyan government will not bear any financial burdens for its implementation. The costs will be finalized through a competitive bidding process that promotes local content and aims to create business opportunities for Kenyans. A significant milestone was achieved in September 2024, when KETRACO entered into a public-private partnership with the Adani Group and Africa50, an infrastructure investment platform supported by the African Development Bank. David Ndii, Chief Economic Advisor to Kenyan President William Ruto, confirmed the concession for the construction of the transmission lines. This partnership, valued at 1.3 billion USD, will significantly strengthen the country's power transmission infrastructure.