Tanzania and Kenya have agreed to speed up key electricity interconnection projects aimed at strengthening power links between the two countries, improving energy reliability, and expanding electricity trade across East Africa.
The agreement was reached after discussions between Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, and Kenya’s Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Mr. Alex Wachira, held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The two officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the power sector, focusing on cross-border electricity trade, expansion of transmission infrastructure, and improvement of electricity supply systems between the two neighboring countries.
They agreed that accelerating the projects would help both countries improve energy security, reduce power shortages, and ensure more stable electricity supply for households, industries, and social services.
The talks reviewed ongoing and planned transmission lines that will connect Tanzania and Kenya through strategic border points including Namanga, Lungalunga, Loitoktok, and Isibania/Sirari.
These routes are expected to play a key role in increasing electricity flow and supporting economic activities along the corridor.
The two sides also discussed a proposed regional “ring circuit” system involving transmission links such as Ibadakuli–Masaka, Ibadakuli–Kilgoris, and Kilgoris–Masaka.
The system is expected to strengthen grid stability, reduce power interruptions, and improve the ability of both countries to share electricity when demand rises.
Officials said the interconnected grid will allow Tanzania and Kenya to support each other during peak demand periods, making electricity supply more reliable and efficient for consumers.
Kenya shared its experience in regional power trade, noting that it currently imports electricity from Ethiopia through regional arrangements under the Eastern Africa Power Pool Eastern Africa Power Pool.
The country said electricity imports vary depending on demand, reaching around 100 megawatts during normal periods, helping to stabilize its national grid.
Kenya also highlighted its ongoing investments in natural gas infrastructure to diversify energy sources and improve long-term energy availability.
These investments are part of wider efforts to ensure stable and affordable energy for its population.
On Tanzania’s side, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company TANESCO reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring smooth implementation of interconnection projects and strengthening regional electricity cooperation for the benefit of citizens and industries.
Kenya’s Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited KETRACO emphasized its readiness to continue expanding transmission networks needed for efficient cross-border power exchange.
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company KPLC also stressed the importance of improving distribution systems to ensure reliable electricity reaches end users.
Officials from both countries said the strengthened power connection will help reduce electricity costs in the long term, improve reliability of supply, and support industrial growth, job creation, and investment in both nations.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials and technical experts from the ministries of energy of Tanzania and Kenya, alongside representatives from key electricity sector institutions involved in generation, transmission, and distribution.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepen regional energy cooperation, saying strong power connectivity is key to driving economic development and improving the quality of life for citizens across East Africa.
