A section of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy have conducted an inspection visit to the Olkaria–Lessos–Kisumu (OLK) Transmission Project, raising concerns over the rising cost of electricity in Kenya despite major investments in power infrastructure.
During the inspection, Committee members questioned officials from the energy sector over the high cost of electricity supplied to consumers in the region. Legislators argued that the transmission project was expected to enhance reliability while lowering the cost of power.
Committee member Tom Odege expressed concern over the cost of electricity generated from geothermal sources, noting that consumers were still struggling with expensive power tariffs.
“Ordinarily, kerosene is considered cheap, but when KenGen supplies power, it becomes even more expensive,” said MP Odege, challenging energy officials to explain why wananchi were not benefiting from affordable electricity despite huge investments in transmission infrastructure.
In response, a KenGen official at Muhoroni defended the current supply arrangements, saying reliability of electricity remained critical to economic growth and industrial development.
“It is better to have expensive power than no power at all,” the official told the lawmakers, noting that stable electricity supply was necessary to sustain industries and businesses in the Lake Region.
Olkaria–Lessos–Kisumu Transmission Project
The 400/220kV Olkaria–Lessos–Kisumu Transmission Project is one of Kenya’s flagship energy infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the national grid and improving power reliability in Western Kenya and the Lake Basin Economic Block. The project, implemented by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), has already been energized from Olkaria II through Lessos to Kibos substation.
The transmission corridor supports electricity supply to counties including Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Vihiga, Homa Bay and Trans Nzoia, while also strengthening power supply to Kisumu Port.
Financed jointly by the Government of Kenya and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at a cost of approximately KSh 18 billion, the proejctt comprises nearly 848 transmission towers and over 5,500 kilometres of conductors.
However, lawmakers were informed that the project continues to face major challenges including unresolved wayleave compensation disputes, vandalism of transmission infrastructure, and limited transformer capacity at Lessos and Kibos substations, which have constrained full evacuation of geothermal power from Olkaria.
Despite the challenges, the Committee noted that the project remains critical in supporting Kenya’s industrialization agenda, regional power trade, and the country’s target of generating 5,000MW by 2030.
