Kenya Power, the country’s leading power utility company, has recently announced a groundbreaking initiative to install special utility smart poles in various Nairobi estates. The primary objective of this project is to support high-speed internet connectivity and address the growing demand for reliable and efficient data coverage.
The Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Power, Joseph Siror, emphasized that these smart poles would enable telecommunications companies to utilize wireless technology to provide data services. By leveraging wireless technologies, last-mile data networks can be deployed more effectively, improving data coverage and capacity while eliminating the issue of signal dropouts.
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The pilot project, currently being carried out in partnership with Safaricom, is taking place at six undisclosed locations within Nairobi. Once the pilot phase is successfully completed, Kenya Power plans to install smart poles within its existing overhead network. Telecom service providers will then lease these poles to mount their wireless transmission equipment, thereby expanding their data network reach.
In addition to the smart poles project, Kenya Power is also engaged in discussions with the Ministry of ICT to contribute to the government’s digital economy vision. The company aims to provide affordable internet connectivity infrastructure to public institutions such as schools and hospitals. This collaboration aligns with Kenya Power’s revenue diversification strategy and its ambition to automate the grid fully.
Kenya Power has already made significant strides in enhancing its infrastructure and operational efficiency. Substations are connected to regional control centres through the System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, enabling effective equipment monitoring and control. The automation of medium-voltage line switches in the Nairobi region has been completed, further improving system operation flexibility.
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Moreover, the company has successfully implemented the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. This initiative involved the installation of 67,000 smart meters in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the establishment of six-meter data control centres. The AMI project has resulted in increased sales by more than 8% through enhanced meter reading accuracy, prompt billing, and reduced energy pilferage.
Kenya Power’s progressive approach towards modernizing its infrastructure and embracing digital solutions underscores its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers and the country as a whole. Through collaborations with industry stakeholders and government entities, the company is well-positioned to contribute significantly to Kenya’s digital transformation and ensure a brighter future for all.
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