Kenya and Tanzania to launch $309 million cross-border electricity line
Kenya and Tanzania will officially begin cross-border electricity trade on December 11, 2024.
This is part of a new $309 million electricity transmission line connecting the two countries.
The project will allow Kenya and Tanzania to share power during shortages and sell surplus electricity to one another.
The line is linked to the Ethiopia-Kenya transmission system, which will be an important part of the Eastern Africa Electricity Highway. This highway is designed to support regional energy trade across 13 countries in the Eastern Africa Power Pool.
According to John Mativo, the Managing Director of Kenya Electricity Transmission Company, the project is a "game changer" for both nations.
Kenya has already been importing more electricity from Ethiopia and Uganda to meet its growing demand. Tanzania has also boosted its power supply with the new Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant, which adds 940 megawatts to its grid.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia also plans to export 100 megawatts of electricity to Tanzania through this system, strengthening energy cooperation across the region.
Officials say the project will improve power reliability and foster stronger ties between the countries.
