 |
| Engineer Mramba engaged in conversation with the Permanent Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum during a meeting. |
Tanzania and Kenya have agreed to accelerate the implementation of 'multiple electricity transmission line' projects that will interconnect the two countries' power grids, while also improving electricity transmission systems. This move aims to strengthen energy security, increase the reliability of electricity supply, and promote cross-border electricity trade within the East African region.
The agreement was reached following talks in Nairobi, Kenya, between Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, the Permanent Secretary of Tanzania's Ministry of Energy responsible for Electricity and Renewable Energy, and Mr. Alex Wachira, Kenya's Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the electricity and renewable energy sub-sector, specifically cross-border power trade, the execution of grid interconnection projects, and enhancements to the transmission and distribution systems between the two nations.
The senior officials also deliberated on various steps to bolster regional electricity trade through the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), a framework designed to create a common market for electricity exchange and strengthen grid systems.
The Permanent Secretaries emphasized the critical need to expand the network of transmission lines connecting the two countries via the border points of Namanga, Lungalunga, Loitoktok, and Isibania/Sirari.
Furthermore, the meeting discussed a proposal to establish a Ring Circuit system. This would integrate the Ibadakuli–Masaka, Ibadakuli–Kilgoris, and Kilgoris–Masaka transmission lines, with the goal of enhancing grid stability and fortifying power trade between Tanzania and Kenya.
In a separate development, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Mr. Alex Wachira, outlined his country's plans to invest in natural gas infrastructure. This initiative is intended to boost domestic availability of the energy source and foster greater regional collaboration within the energy sector.
Additionally, Kenya shared its experience in regional power trade, noting its ongoing imports of electricity from Ethiopia under regional power purchase agreements. The volume of these imports fluctuates based on demand, typically reaching around 100 megawatts during standard periods, a measure described as bolstering the stability of Kenya's national power system.
The meeting was attended by various officials and experts from the energy ministries of both Tanzania and Kenya, alongside representatives from key power sector institutions, including TANESCO, KETRACO, and Kenya Power.