According to the Bank’s website, the proposed project aims to improve and expand the High Voltage (HV) transmission network in some parts of the country to increase the power transfer capacity necessary to meet growing demand. The rationale for the Bank's intervention is to support the country to carry out its transmission system development program with the goal of improving the electric power transfer capacity, reliability and quality which are key constraints hindering economic transformation of the country. The intervention also aims to support reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thus contributing to green growth in Kenya. Moreover, the Project will promote the development of sustainable energy infrastructure which is identified as a key constraint hindering rapid economic transformation. It will also contribute to raising the national electrification rate and achieving universal electricity access by 2030 by addressing the transmission system capacity gaps in parts of the country. The project comprises of four components, (i) Construction of Transmission Lines; (ii) Construction of Substations; (iii) Consultancy services, TA & Capacity building program; and iv) Compensation and/or resettlement of PAPs and associated social amenities and climate-change impact mitigations. The estimated total cost is USD 119 million.

The main development objective of the proposed project is to Increase reliability and efficiency of green electricity supply by augmenting high voltage transmission network power transfer capacity. It will also support improved efficiency of supply by reducing technical losses and providing evacuation alternatives for on-going and planned renewable (wind and solar) power generation projects in the project targeted areas. To reach this objective, the project plans to construct new HV transmission lines and associated substations and extend HV substations to accommodate new incoming lines and installed power transformers, thereby maximizing the use of new power generation plants which are based on renewables, and facilitating connection of new customers in Western (Laikipia, Baringo, Keiyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisii, Migori, Homa Bay) and Coastal (Kilifi) counties of Kenya.

Girma Mekuria ABIYEHOY

g.abiyehoy@afdb.org

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.afdb.org/en/disclosure-and-access-to-information/request-for-documents. Under the AfDBÕs Disclosure and Access to Information policy, if you feel the Bank has omitted to publish information or your request for information is unreasonably denied, you can file an appeal at https://www.afdb.org/en/disclosure-and-access-to-information/appeals-process.

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF AfDB

The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM), which is administered by the Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (CRMU), is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who have been or are likely to be adversely affected by an African Development Bank (AfDB)-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the IRM, it may assist you by either seeking to address your problems by facilitating a dispute resolution dialogue between you and those implementing the project and/or investigating whether the AfDB complied with its policies to prevent environmental and social harms. You can submit a complaint electronically by emailing crmuinfo@afdb.org, b.kargougou@afdb.org, b.fall@afdb.org, and/or s.toure@afdb.org. You can learn more about the IRM and how to file a complaint at: https://www.afdb.org/en/independent-review-mechanism/