KETRACO Partners with GE Vernova, L&T to Boost Grid Resilience

Kenya's electricity grid is set for a major upgrade as GE Vernova and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) lead a consortium to build two advanced National System Control Centers (NSCCs) for the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).

The main control facility will be located in Embakasi, with an emergency backup center in Suswa. Both will be equipped with state-of-the-art grid software, automation systems, and enterprise asset management tools to improve grid stability and integrate renewable energy sources.

The project, fully financed by France's Development Agency (AFD) and the French Treasury, also benefits from EU support for capacity building. It was booked by GE Vernova in Q1 2025 and is expected to be completed in three years.

GE Vernova, through its French entity Grid Solutions SAS, will supply the grid orchestration software and automation technologies. L&T will oversee all civil works and site infrastructure.

"This system is a game-changer for grid management in Kenya," said Dr. Eng. John Mativo, CEO of KETRACO, noting the new NSCC will improve reliability, support renewables, and enable real-time monitoring of the national grid.

The project aligns with Kenya's national goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030 and advancing its energy transition objectives.