Kenya has taken a major step forward in modernizing its electricity infrastructure through a strengthened partnership with France, marked by the rollout of a Sh12 billion National System Control Centre (NSCC) project. The initiative was highlighted during a site visit to the NSCC site in Embakasi, Nairobi, by French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohamed Soilihi, hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO).
The NSCC project is being financed through a €82.7 million (Sh12 billion) concessional loan facility jointly extended by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Treasury. The project will be implemented by a consortium comprising global technology firm GE Vernova and engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T), underlining France’s long-term commitment to Kenya’s energy infrastructure development.
Speaking during the site tour, French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s energy transformation. “France is committed to supporting critical infrastructure that enhances sustainability, energy reliability, and economic growth. This project is a strong testament to the enduring partnership between Kenya and France,” he said, noting that this energy collaboration is built on trust and shared development goals.
The NSCC is part of the broader €94 million AFD-financed RETNET programme, a major regional initiative designed to improve grid reliability and modernize power transmission. Once complete, the control centre will offer real-time electricity management, better integration of renewable energy sources, and support for Kenya’s transition to a smart energy grid. The main control hub will be based at the Embakasi substation, with a backup Emergency Control Centre located in Suswa. Both sites will be equipped with advanced SCADA/EMS and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems.
KETRACO Managing Director, Dr. (Eng.) John Mativo, lauded the initiative as a clear signal of the government’s commitment to a modern, intelligent energy grid. “This initiative demonstrates the Government’s commitment to building a modern and intelligent power system that supports national development while enhancing reliability and access,” he said.
The European Union (EU) is also backing regional energy integration efforts in tandem with the NSCC. EU Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Henriette Geiger, pointed out that the EU’s Global Gateway strategy aims to mobilize €300 billion in public and private infrastructure investments by 2027, supporting projects like the NSCC and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector to enhance cross-border energy trade in East and Southern Africa.
Slated for completion by February 6, 2028, the NSCC will solidify KETRACO’s role as Kenya’s Transmission System Operator (TSO), aligning national grid operations with policies under the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP). This will not only boost national energy efficiency but also enhance Kenya’s role in regional power trading, advancing the country’s position as a key energy hub in East Africa.
