GE Vernova will provide advanced grid technology and software to boost electricity transmission at the new centers in Embakasi and Suswa.
The GE Vernova-Larsen & Toubro (L&T) consortium is building an advanced national system control center (NSCC) for Kenya Electricity Transmission Co. (KETRACO) to monitor and manage Kenya’s national electricity grid, including:
GE Vernova booked the order in the first quarter of 2025.
“GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to handle projects of this scale and complexity, requiring both advanced software solutions and grid automation equipment, as well as unique financing solutions. With our comprehensive capabilities in managing such projects end-to-end, we believe KETRACO will significantly benefit from GE Vernova’s expertise, ensuring seamless integration and operational efficiency from project inception to completion,” said Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems businesses. “By providing Kenya with an advanced electricity control center, 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 decarbonization goals.”
Nairobi, Kenya cityscape. Credit: GE Vernova/stock image
Kenya aims to ensure that 100% of its population has access to reliable and affordable electricity by 2030. To achieve this, Kenya is investing heavily in expanding its electricity grid and enhancing generation capacity by enhancing energy efficiency and developing smart grid technologies to optimize electricity transmission, distribution, and consumption.
“A new advanced NSCC is essential for managing increased electricity demand as Kenya's economy grows,” said Dr. Eng. John Mativo, MBS, Managing Director and CEO at KETRACO. “When commissioned, the new NSCC system would play a critical role in supporting our mandate as system operator. It will ensure reliable, secure, and efficient electricity transmission across the country. It is a game-changer for Kenya’s electricity transmission capabilities, significantly improving our ability to manage the grid, enhance the quality of power, and integrate renewable energy sources.”
GE Vernova’s French entity Grid Solutions SAS will lead the consortium and provide advanced grid technology, including:
Larsen & Toubro will handle all civil works, including the construction of two fully equipped greenfield control center buildings, equipment installation, and support for system configuration, testing, and commissioning.
The project is expected to be completed within three years and will be financed through a partnership with the French Development Agency and the French Treasury.
“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,” said H.E Arnaud Suquet, the French Ambassador to Kenya. “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. The project is fully financed by France with two separate and complementary financing from AFD and the French Treasury, supported by a related grant from the European Union dedicated to Capacity building.”
