KETRACO awards tender for construction of advanced National System Control Centre
Once completed by February 6, 2028, the NSCC will enable enhanced real-time grid supervision, automated electricity dispatching, reduced unscheduled power outages and transmission losses, and improved integration of renewable energy sources
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has contracted a consortium comprising US firm, GE Vernova, and Indian firm, Larsen & Toubro, to build an advanced National System Control Centre (NSCC) to monitor and manage the national electricity grid.
The Sh12 billion (€82.7 million) project will include constructing a Main Control Centre building in Embakasi, equipped with advanced grid software solutions and the latest substation automation, monitoring, and communication equipment. Additionally, an Emergency Control Centre building in Suswa will be constructed, featuring the same systems and an Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system for transmission operations. GE Vernova booked the order in the first quarter of 2025.
“A new, advanced NSCC is essential for managing increased electricity demand as Kenya’s economy grows. When commissioned, the new NSCC system would play a critical role in supporting our mandate as System Operator (SO). 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,” KETRACO Managing Director and CEO John Mativo said.
Consortium roles and responsibilities
GE Vernova, through its French entity Grid Solutions SAS, will lead the consortium and provide advanced grid technology from its Electrification Software and Grid Automation portfolio. This technology includes two solutions from its GridOS® orchestration software portfolio — Advanced Energy Management Systems (AEMS) and Wide Area Management Systems — Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAM), and several solutions from its grid automation portfolio – GridBeats – Asset Performance Management System (APM), Condition Monitoring devices, Substation Automation Systems, and Telecommunication Systems.
Once completed by February 6, 2028, the NSCC will enable enhanced real-time grid supervision, automated electricity dispatching, reduced unscheduled power outages and transmission losses, and improved integration of renewable energy sources. It will also strengthen regional interconnector coordination and prepare Kenya for future electricity market operations, anchoring the nation’s transition to a more stable, efficient, and interconnected grid.
Larsen&Toubro will handle all civil works, including the construction of two fully equipped greenfield control centre buildings, equipment installation, and support for system configuration, testing, and commissioning.
“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,” CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems Businesses Philippe Piron said.
“By providing Kenya with an advanced electricity control centre, 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 decarbonisation goals.”
Financial and development support
The project is made possible through a financing partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Treasury, which are providing vital support to KETRACO for the development of a stronger and more sustainable electricity grid in Kenya. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing Kenya’s energy goals by enabling more reliable and efficient power infrastructure.
“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. 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 grand from the European Union dedicated to Capacity building,” said French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet.
Kenya’s electricity goals
Kenya has set ambitious electricity goals aimed at achieving universal access and transitioning to a sustainable energy future. The country aims to ensure that 100 per cent 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. Additionally, Kenya is focusing on enhancing energy efficiency and developing smart grid technologies to optimise electricity transmission, distribution and consumption.
