Kenya recently faced a significant challenge when vandals wreaked havoc on the country’s transmission infrastructure, disrupting electricity supply. The incident occurred at the Olkaria I-Naivasha 132kV line, where six transmission towers collapsed due to sabotage at Kedong Ranch on March 25th.
“The cause was as frustrating as it was avoidable: vandalised tower braces,”
remarked Kenya Power officials. This crucial connection from Olkaria’s geothermal fields had been operational since the 1980s, providing 250MW to the grid. However, the act of vandalism severed 140MW from reaching consumers, prompting a swift response from the utility company.
In a race against time, engineers and maintenance teams mobilized to construct Emergency Restoration Towers (ERTs) to restore electricity access. These ERTs are modular structures designed for rapid deployment in emergencies. Despite facing challenges such as heavy rains and rough terrain at Kedong Ranch, the dedicated teams worked tirelessly to rectify the damage caused by vandalism.
Engineers from various regions across Kenya collaborated on-site for six days to repair three towers and install ERTs. The final piece of the puzzle—a fully assembled ERT brought from Sabaki River—was put in place by April 1st, marking a crucial milestone in restoring power supply.
By midday on April 1st, with conductors strung and tests completed successfully, the line was re-energized, reinstating 108MW into the grid. This endeavor not only showcased technical prowess but also highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to senseless acts of destruction.
“Safeguarding our infrastructure is a shared duty,”
emphasized Kenya Power officials after successfully restoring power. The incident underscored the importance of protecting essential services from disruptive activities that can have far-reaching consequences for communities and businesses relying on uninterrupted electricity supply.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto flagged off the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) implementation team in Makuyu, Muranga county—an initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity in rural areas. Jointly funded by development partners, this project will benefit thousands of households by providing them access to reliable electricity.
As Kenya continues its efforts to strengthen its energy infrastructure and enhance grid stability through modernization projects like LMCP, it remains vital for all stakeholders to work together in safeguarding critical assets that support daily life and economic activities across the nation.
