In order to facilitate the construction of the Nairobi Expressway, Kenya Power has commenced the relocation of its existing electricity infrastructure at a cost of KSh1.08 billion.
The utility company said the cost will be met by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The power lines to be moved are between Mlolongo, Mombasa road and James Gichuru road will pave way for construction of the 27.1-kilometer-long Nairobi Expressway.
The scope of work will involve the relocation of a combined 106 kilometrers of high voltage (66kV), medium voltage (11kV), and low voltage cables as well as 28 transformers serving the area.
“When executing projects of this magnitude, some of the customers within estates along the Expressway corridor will experience an interruption in power supply. However, the company is planning to minimise interruptions,” Ngugi said.
40.6 kilometers of the network will pass underground, Kenya Power managing director Bernard Ngugi said, with the utility firm warning of possible power supply interruption along the project.
“We will ensure that we relocate many networks as possible using our Live Line Maintenance team to minimise interruption. Where it will be inevitable to switch off supply, we are scheduling interruptions and communicating the plan to customers,” said Mr. Ngugi.
The exercise began in September and will be completed at the end of November this year.
The Ksh 50 billion Nairobi Expressway is aimed at reducing traffic congestion within the city of Nairobi.
The 18.586-kilometer road project will start at JKIA and terminate at James Gichuru, along Waiyaki Road, in Westlands.
The project is being implemented by the Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA), and will be built under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) partnership model with China Roads and Bridge Corporation as both the concessionaire and investor.
