Lodwar Set for First-Ever National Grid Power Since Independence

Lodwar town and its environs are set to receive reliable electricity from Kenya’s national grid for the first time since independence, following the near completion of two major power projects in Turkana County.

According to a press notice dated September 14, Kenya Power is constructing a 66/11kV Lodwar substation and a 90-kilometre 66kV power line between Lokichar and Lodwar to connect the town to the national electricity grid.

The two projects are funded by the Government of Kenya at a combined cost of Ksh1.01 billion.

More Than 80,000 Lodwar Residents to Benefit

Once completed, the projects will provide stable, clean and reliable electricity to more than 80,000 residents in Lodwar and its environs.

The improved power supply is expected to support homes, schools, hospitals and businesses while also preparing the town to meet future electricity demand as it grows.

Kenya Power Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Siror said the project will end the region’s long dependence on generators.

“Since independence, the people of this area and this county have depended on generators, which are not very effective especially in this area, where the temperatures are quite high and running the machines on a 24-hour non-stop basis leads to breakdowns.”

Siror said connecting Lodwar to the national grid would give residents access to stable and reliable electricity to support their livelihoods.

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Generators Cost Kenya Power Ksh900 Million Annually

Currently, Lodwar town and its environs depend on diesel-powered generators operated by Kenya Power.

The company spends approximately Ksh900 million every year to run the generators. However, the machines have struggled to meet demand, especially during the county’s extreme temperatures, leading to frequent breakdowns and power rationing.

The new grid connection will also help eliminate fossil fuel emissions associated with the use of diesel generators.

Siror said the cost of extending the power line from Lokichar to Lodwar is almost equal to what Kenya Power spends on generator fuel in one year.

“Once these projects are complete, we are looking at a situation where what we are saving just in terms of diesel costs for a year is equivalent to the cost of building the line and the substation.”

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Power Connection Expected to Boost Businesses

Beyond improving electricity supply, the Lodwar grid connection is expected to support economic growth across Turkana County.

The reliable power supply could help expand industries including livestock trade, tourism, agribusiness and mining, creating more employment opportunities for local residents.

Kenya Power said improved electricity access will also deliver social benefits to the community.

Children will have an opportunity to study for longer hours, while ICT hubs and small and medium-sized businesses are expected to benefit from a more reliable power supply.

Local hospitals and clinics will also have better access to electricity, supporting the storage of vaccines and other critical medical supplies.

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Photo of Kenya Power and Lighting Company Managing Director Joseph Siror During the State of the Grid Briefing at Sarova Stanley on August 11. PHOTO/ Kenya Power & Lighting Company X