Indian and US firms to build Kenya’s national electricity control centre

Kenya secured a loan from the French government last year to build the National System Control Centre (NSCC), which is expected to cost K.Sh. 12 billion (€80 million).

Work on the NSCC, which will allow the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company to monitor and manage the country’s electricity grid, will involve construction of a main control centre building in Embakasi.

Additionally, an emergency control centre building will be constructed in Suswa, featuring the same systems as the main building.

GE Vernova will lead the project through its French entity Grid Solutions SAS.

Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems businesses said, “By providing Kenya with an advanced electricity control centre, we’re aiming to enhance the reliability and efficiency of its national grid. This is a pivotal step in paving the way for a more sustainable future that supports the country’s electrification and decarbonisation goals.”

Arnaud Suquet, the French Ambassador to Kenya added, “France is committed to supporting sustainable infrastructure projects in Kenya, notably in the Power sector, as part of the broader ongoing collaboration between Kenya and France on energy transition and climate. A modern NSCC will make the Kenyan grid more resilient and reliable, enabling the integration of more variable renewable energy and ultimately providing more reliable and affordable power to Kenya’s businesses and households.”