KENYA POWER

11/30/2023
ELECTRICAL & ELE

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NAME: KIBET NGETICH STEPHEN

ADMISSION NO: 11765S22
SCHOOL: RIFT VALLEY TECHNICAL
TRAINING INSTITUTE
DEPARTMENT: ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
ENGINEERING
SUBJECT: INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT
REPORT
CASE STUDY: KENYA POWER & LIGHTING
COMPANY
UNIT: INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT
DURATION: THREE MONTHS
FROM DATE: 4TH SEPTEMBER 2023
TO DATE: 24TH NOVEMBER 2023

SUPERVISOR: MR. OMONDI

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DECLARATION
I, KIBET NGETICH STEPHEN, do hereby declare that this report is my original work and to the
best of my knowledge, it has not been submitted for any certificate award in any polytechnic or
Institution.

Signed___________________________________
Date _____________________________________
KIBET NGETICH STEPHEN

CERTIFICATION
I have read this report and approve it for examination

Signed_______________________________________
Date_________________________________________
MR. OMONDI

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PLAGIARISM DECLARATION
1. I declare that I have read and understood Rift Valley Technical Training Institute
Examination rules and regulations.
2. I do understand that ignorance of these rules and regulations is not an excuse for violation of
the said rules.
3. I understand that I must do my own work.
4. I also understand that if I commit any act of academic dishonesty like plagiarism, my report
can be assigned a fail grade and face the prescribed consequences.

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`

DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to the Almighty God for his continued blessings and guidance throughout
the attachment period, much thanks.
Also to my family who have supported me fully through school and during my attachment
session, be blessed.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would wish to render my gratitude to my institute supervisor, MR. Omondi for the great
support and direction that she extended, not to mention all the contribution she made towards
facilitating the success of my attachment.

I also extend a lot of appreciation to field supervisors, Mr. Charles Busienei and Miss. Mary
Kariuki who ensured that all facilities necessary for the industrial attachment exercise were at my
disposal. Thanks to the team I was patched with. All their directions, explanations, technical and
intellectual support amounted to the quality experience I gained.

I also wish to the principal and all the staff members of electrical & electronics department of
RVTTI for giving me support and humble time at college.

I thank my family for the emotional and financial support they have given me. Finally, I
acknowledge the support of all my friends, lecturers and classmates.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
 This report contains the details of my industrial attachment at Narok Kenya Power And
Lighting Company, during the attachment period, the lessons learnt, challenges faced and
recommendations while on attachment. It is mandatory for everyone to undertake an
attachment session as it provides one to apply the skills learnt at the college. It is also an opportunity
for one to learn new skills.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION II

PLAGIARISM III

DEDICATION IV

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT V

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY VI

TABLE OF CONTENTS VII

LIST OF TABLES VIII

LIST OF FIGURES IX

LIST OF ABREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS X

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LIST OF TABLES

CHART 1.0: Formula of Power, Voltage, Current and

Resistance Source: Author (2023)

TABLE 1.0: Densities of some liquids, Source: Malkiat (1997)

LIQUID DENSITY (g/cm3)

Water 1
Honey 1.6
Ammonia 1.2

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LIST OF FIGURES

 BLOCK ARROW

 Figure 1.0 Block arrow, source; Maiyo and Naomy (2020)

 BLOCK ARC

 Figure 1.1 Block arc, source; Author (2023)

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LIST OF ABREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS
 AC Alternating current/voltage
 Kv Kilo-volts
 Kva Kilo-volt-amperes
 Kw Kilowatts
 KWH Kilo Watt Hour
 RVTTI Rift Valley Technical Training Institute

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PHOTO GALLARY

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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.0 PURPOSE
 It is mandatory for everyone to undertake an attachment session as it provides one to apply the skills
learnt at the college.
 It is also an opportunity for one to learn new skills.
1.2 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

Kenya power has different operational structures depending on the population of the region on
which operations are to be undertaken. I was attached at Narok branch which is located at a town
called Narok in Narok county, rift valley province, Kenya.
Owing to the size of the region the branch operated in the following sub-departments
1. Development and construction department (D&C dept)
2. Emergency department
3. Mains department
4. Customer care
5. Metering department
6. Meter reading department
7. Survey department
8. Business development department

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1.2.1 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
According to the chores assigned to each departments, a lot of electrical and electronics tasks
were embedded in the Emergency department. Was thus assigned to a three days a week shift
daylight team that facilitated all the experience I gained in the field.

1.2.2 ROLE OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT/TEAMS

The role of Emergency department and the teams is to ensure that there is consistence supply of
electricity as well as provide public safety and health by addressing different emergencies. Some
of these agencies exist solely for addressing certain types of emergencies whilst others deal with
ad hoc emergencies as part of their normal responsibilities. Kenya power engages in community
awareness and prevention programs to help the public avoid, detect, and report emergencies
effectively.

Emergency department and the teams operated on a 24 hours basis but in shifts. Every
call from a customer is recorded and printed then handed to workers who work in shifts
throughout the day and night. The main duties of the emergency services include:

 diagnosing of faults on low voltage overhead and underground lines

 basic repair and maintenance of low voltage network earthing systems
 use of overhead line tools and common instruments

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1.2 KENYA POWER AND LIGHTING COMPANY

1.3.1 HISTORY OF THE COMPANY

Kenya Power originally known as Kenya Power and Lighting Company

Limited's (KPLC), core business activities include the transmission, distribution and
retailing of electricity purchased in bulk from the Kenya Electricity Generating Company
Limited (KenGen), Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the Uganda Electricity
Transmission Company Limited (UETCL). Kenya Power holds and operates the national
transmission and distribution grid, and is responsible for the scheduling and dispatch of
electricity to more than 500, 000 customers throughout.

In the business and shareholding perspective of the company, Kenya has listed
Mama Ngina Kenyatta as its fourth largest individual investor, with 2.2 million shares or
a 0.11 per cent stake in the company, whose ownership is dominated by institutional
investors like the Treasury and National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

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1.3.2 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Share Holders

Board of Directors

Managing
Director & Chief
Exuctive Officer

General
Managers

Regional Manager

County Business
Manager

County Functional Regional

Head Functional Head

Sectional Heads

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1.3.3 COMPANY MAIN FUCTIONS

Kenya Power is a limited liability company which transmits, distributes and

retails electricity to customers throughout Kenya. Kenya Power is a public company
listed in the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). The company is a national electric utility
company, managing electric metering, licensing, billing and emergency, electricity
service and customer relations. Kenya Power headquarters are at Stima Plaza, Kolobot
Road in Parklands, Nairobi; it operates many offices throughout Kenya.

1.3.4 KENYA POWER QUALITY POLICY

KENYA POWER is committed to providing high quality customer service by efficiently
transmitting and distributing high quality electricity that is safe, adequate and reliable at cost
effective tariffs
1.3.5 COMPANY’S VISION
provide world class power that delights our customers.
1.3.6 COMPANY’S MISSION
To Powering people for better lives
1.3.7 COMPANY’S OBJECTIVES

 To buy efficiently and wisely, obtaining by an ethical means the best value for every
shilling spent.
 To maintain cordial relationship with other department for the overall benefit of the
organization.
 To develop staff policies, procedures and organization to ensure the achievement of set
objectives.
 To help add value to the development of services rendered
 To supply the organization with a flow of materials and services to meet its needs.

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 To ensure continuity of supply by maintaining effective relationship with existing sources
to meet emerging or planned needs.
 To develop specification in collaboration with user to ensure standardization is achieved.

1.3.8 PUBLIC RIGHTS IN THE KENYA POWER COMPANY

 Timely service and accurate information.
 Protection from harm or injury within the company services.
 Dignified, courteous, confidential and continuous care.
 Participation, planning and management of company resources.
1.3.9 COMPANY’S CORE VALUES
Kenya Power core values signify:
 Customer First
 One Team
 Passion
 Integrity
 Excellence

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CHAPTER TWO
2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND

Provides an opportunity to learn by observing, participating and doing.

Allows contextualized and integrated learning based on direct interaction with ground
realities.
Enhances and prepares skills of fieldwork, research, documentation, presentation and
advocacy.

2.1 PERIOD OF ATTACHMENT

 4th September 2023 to 24th November 2023

2.2 OBJECTIVES

 To enable trainees get hand-on/real life experiences they are expected to work in when
they graduate.
 To provide an opportunity for trainees and trainers to interact with in stake holders and
potential employers and thus appreciate field situations.
 To provide an opportunity for trainees to apply the principles and techniques
theoretically learnt while in college to real-life problem solving situations.
 To give an opportunity for trainees to understand work ethics, employment demands,
responsibilities and opportunities.
 To enhance and strengthens linkages between Rift Valley Technical Training Institute
and other stakeholders.

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CHAPTER THREE
3.0 MAJOR ACTIVITIES
3.0.1 POWER GENERATION
Hydro-power constitutes around 60 per cent of the total electricity generated in Kenya. The bulk
of this electricity is ta pped from five generating plants along the River Tana. The five stations
combined - Kindaruma, Kamburu, Gitaru, Masinga and Kiambere - have an installed capacity of
more than 400 MW. Turkwel Gorge Power Station in north-western Kenya has an installed
capacity of 106 MW. There are also several small hydro stations - Mesco, Ndula, Wanjii, Tana,
Gogo Falls and Selby Falls - all built before independence in 1963, with a combined generation
output of 40 MW.
Geothermal energy is generated using natural steam tapped from volcanic-active
zones in the Rift Valley. Some 127 MW is fed into the national grid from three plants
located at Olkaria. Thermal (fuel-generated) energy is generated in power stations at
Mombasa and Nairobi. Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited, KenGen is the
leading electric power generation company in Kenya, producing about 80 percent of
electricity consumed in the country. The company utilizes various sources to generate
electricity ranging from hydro, geothermal, thermal and wind. Hydro is the leading
source, with an installed capacity of 677.3MW, which is 72.3 per cent of the company’s
installed capacity.
KenGen is in direct competition with four Independent Power Producers who
between them produce about 18 percent of the country’s electric power. KenGen has a
workforce of 1,500 staff located at different power plants in the country. With its wealth
of experience, established corporate base and a clear vision, the company intends to
maintain leadership in the liberalised electric energy sub-sector in Kenya and the Eastern

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Africa Region. KenGen Headquarters are located at Stima Plaza Phase III, Kolobot Road,
Parklands; Nairobi.
3.0.2 TRANSMISSION

Electricity transmission is the process by which large amounts of Electricity

produced at power plants (such as hydro, geothermal, thermal and wind), is transported
over long distances for eventual use by consumers. Due to the large amount of power
involved, and the properties of Electricity, transmission normally takes place at high
voltage (132-kilovolt or above) to reduce losses that occur over long distances.
Kenya power is responsible for ensuring that there is adequate line capacity to maintain supply
and quality of electricity across the country. The interconnected network of transmission and
distribution lines covers about 23,000 kilometers. The national grid is operated as an integral
network, linked by a 220 kV and 132 kV transmission network. Limited lengths of 66 kV

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transmission lines are also in use. The national grid impacts on the future growth of the energy
sector because any new generation capacity must take into consideration the existing network
and its capacity to handle new loads.
The main components of high-voltage Electricity transmission lines and associated
facilities
1) Transmission Pylons (Towers)
2) Conductors (Transmission lines)
3) Right-of-Way (Way leaves)
4) Access Roads
5) Substations
1. Transmission Pylons (Towers)
Transmission pylons are the most visible component of the Electricity transmission system.
Pylons support high-voltage conductors (cables that transmit the electricity, otherwise known as
lines) above the ground and separate them from other lines, buildings, and people. Pylons vary in
design and dimensions. The transmission pylons are lattice steel between 33.5 and 46 meters tall.
A minimum of 30-metre right-of-way is needed for the area around the pylons and the spans
between the pylons.

2. CONDUCTORS (Transmission lines)

Conductors are the cables on the transmission pylons that carry the Electricity to substations.
KENYA POWER will have varying designs of pylons and lines depending mainly on the voltage
being carried. Conductors are constructed primarily of twisted metal strands, but newer
conductors may incorporate ceramic fibers in a matrix of aluminium for added strength with
lighter weight.

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3. RIGHT-OF-WAY (Way Leaves)
The right-of-way for a transmission corridor includes the land set aside for the transmission line
and associated facilities, and land set aside for a safety margin between the line and nearby
structures and vegetation. Having the safety margin helps avoid the risk of fire and other
accidents. The right-of-way width needed for transmission lines ranges from 30 meters to 65
meters. The right-of-way is also used for access roads.
Vegetation that could pose a danger to a transmisssion line or tower is removed inside the right-
of-way and outside the right-of-way if it could come too close to lines and pylons.
4. ACCESS ROADS
Access is needed to the transmission tower sites for both line construction and maintenance.
Grading and clearing vegetation may be required for access road construction. Roads are usually
murram. Access roads can be permanent or temporary depending on the need during construction
and land use. On most rights-of-way, permanent access roads provide a way to repair and
maintain the pylons and line and are available for emergencies.
In farmland and other areas where the existing land use is not compatible with a permanent
access road, Kenya power uses temporary access roads during construction, then removes the
roads and replants or otherwise restores the original land use.
5. SUB-STATIONS
The high voltages used for Electricity transmission (e.g., 500 kV) are converted for consumer
use to lower voltages (e.g., 11 kV) at substations. Substations vary in size and configuration but
may cover several acres, and are cleared of vegetation and surfaced with gravel. Access is
limited to authorized personnel and the substation is fenced and gated for safety and security. In
general, substations include a variety of structures, conductors, fencing, lighting, and other
features that result in an "industrial" appearance.

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3.1 LESSONS LEARNT
3.1.1 SUBSTATIONS/TRANSFORMERS

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Introduction
Electrical transformers are used to "transform" voltage from one level to another, usually from a
higher voltage to a lower voltage. They do this by applying the principle of magnetic induction
between coils to convert voltage and/or current levels.
In this way, electrical transformers are a passive device which transforms alternating current
(otherwise known as "AC") electric energy from one circuit into another through electromagnetic
induction. An electrical transformer normally consists of a ferromagnetic core and two or more
coils called "windings". A changing current in the primary winding creates an alternating
magnetic field in the core. In turn, the core multiplies this field and couples the most of the flux
through the secondary transformer windings. This in turn induces alternating voltage (or emf) in
each of the secondary coils.

Workability

Electrical transformers can be configured as either a single-phase or a three-phase configuration.

There are several important specifications to specify when searching for electrical transformers.
These include: maximum secondary voltage rating, maximum secondary current rating,
maximum power rating, and output type. An electrical transformer may provide more than one
secondary voltage value. The Rated Power is the sum of the VA (Volts x Amps) for all of the

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secondary windings. Output choices include AC or DC. For Alternating Current waveform
output, voltage the values are typically given in RMS values.
Cores can be constructed as either a toroidal or laminated. Toroidal units typically have copper
wire wrapped around a cylindrical core so the magnetic flux, which occurs within the coil,
doesn't leak out, the coil efficiency is good, and the magnetic flux has little influence on other
components. Laminated refers to the laminated-steel cores. These steel laminations are insulated
with a no conducting material, such as varnish, and then formed into a core that reduces
electrical losses. There are many types. These include autotransformer, control, current,
distribution, general-purpose, instrument, isolation, potential (voltage), power, step-up, and step-
down. Mountings include chassis mount, dish or disk mount, enclosure or free standing, h frame,
and PCB mount.

Main constructional parts of transformer

There are three main parts of a transformer. They include;
1. Primary winding of transformer – this produces magnetic flux when it is connected to
electrical source.
2. Magnetic Core of transformer – the magnetic flux produced by the primary winding,
will pass through this low reluctance path linked with secondary winding and creates a
closed magnetic circuit.
3. Secondary Winding of transformer – the flux, produced by primary winding, passes
through the core, will link with the secondary winding. This winding is also wound on
the same core and gives the desired output of the transformer.

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3.2 MAJOR CHALLENGES FACED BY KENYA POWER

COMPANY
VANDALISM OF TRANSFORMERS AND CONDUCTORS

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Vandalism is the malicious and deliberate defacement or destruction of somebody else’s

property. A Vandal is somebody who maliciously and deliberately defaces or destroys somebody
else’s property .Vandalism is a man made Security Threat to KENYA POWER. It is all about
destruction and damage of KENYA POWER property that carry power from its Generation
plants, Transmission and Distribution networks and eventually to the commercial and domestic
users. The installations affected on this are transformers and the connecting cables because of the
following substances/accessories found in them:

In the transformer
 The Transformer Oil
 The Copper Windings
 Blades
 And Copper Cables at the transformer/earth mat
Other Threats
 Vandalism of tower members

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 Conductor theft

 Armed robbery
 Meter tampering
 Illegal connections
3.2.1 CONDUCTOR THEFT
KENYA POWER as one of the largest users of electrical conductors is faced with large scale
conductor theft. Investigations have revealed that 99% of cable stolen from KENYA POWER is
sold to scrap dealers throughout the country. Both aluminum and copper are highly sought after
in the scrap market with copper being the more desirable of the two due to its much higher price
in the market.
GENERAL EFFECTS AS A RESULT OF VANDALISM AND THEFT
 Replacement of the damaged installations by new ones
 Failure of maintenance and construction of new lines
 KENYA POWER spends more money in buying extra
 Materials to meet both maintenance and new jobs
 Few customers access to electricity. Only about 10% of the population has electricity

REASONS AS TO WHY THERE IS PROGRESSIVELY VANDALISM

1. ECONOMIC – MASSIVE INCREASES IN METAL PRICES
 Equipment sold for cash?
 Materials recycled into the system?
 Conductor smelted & sold as ingots?
 Conductor smelted and formed into other products?
 Conductor rewound for other applications?
 Earth wire rewound for stays?

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 Tower members for beds, smelted, scrap market
2. MISCHIEF BEHAVIOURS
 shooting at glass insulators
 Sabotage?
 ignorance
IMPACT OF VANDALISM ON THE COMPANY

 Outages
 Funds wasted on repairs rather than new projects
 Revenue loss
 Equipment damage
 Supply insecurity
 Adversely affects maintenance
 Poor supply reliability
 Loss of lives
 Project delays
 Diversion of effort & resource away from core business
 Increased project costs

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 Indirect costs such as
 Legal
 Consequential
 Poor image
 Loss of perishables
 Loss of business
3.2.2 OBSERVED COMPANY FAILURES
1. MONOPOLY
Kenya power being a monopoly in power transmission and distribution in some instances
tends not to be sensitive on the customer’s needs. This is evident mainly on the many
delays in installation and emergency responses.
2. EMPLOYEES MALPRACTICES
In ethical malpractices by employees who steal the company assets mainly the cables.
3. ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS
Most illegal connections leads to dramatic losses because it is poorly done by non
qualified persons.
4. INSTALLATION COSTS
High costs of installation that leads to many households not being able to acquire
electricity.
5. POOR SUPERVISION
Lack of proper supervision of the employees

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

 anti-vandal bolts for towers

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 deployment of tubular pylons

 block wall fencing of substations

 embossing/branding of materials

 use of special conductors

 use of steel earthing materials

 polymer insulators

 HV distribution network

 contract

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

 actions in time regime of suspect trips

 increased patrol of transmission lines
 deployment of security agents in line patrols
 cooperation & information exchange with the police
 increased commitment in prosecuting culprits
 legislation on secondary metal markets

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 CONCLUSION

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Doing my attachment at Kenya power was the best decision to make as I acquired a lot of
experience and knowledge learned in class as theories. It was a structured, credit-bearing work
experience in my professional work setting during which i applied and acquired knowledge and
skills. It involved the application of learned skills in an organization related to me major. The
Industrial Attachment challenged me to examine the values of the organization involved in the
experience, and to assess my education as it relates to the Industrial Attachment.
Other benefits I gained from the Industrial Attachment include

1. Explored career interests

2. Learned new skills
3. Gained work experience
4. Developed a professional network
5. Understood workplace expectations
6. Learned more about my career
7. Gained valuable experience to build my resume
8. Found out what it's like to work in my potential career
9. Got introduced to fellow engineer employers and made a solid network
10. Received credit for real world experience

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

There are needs to formulate, enforce and review environmental, health, safety and `10-
quality codes and standards, set, review and adjust electric power tariffs, approve

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power purchase and network service contracts, examine and approve meters,
investigate complaints between parties, accredit energy auditors, ensure competition,
collect and maintain energy data, protect stakeholders interests, and prepare an
indicative national energy plan.

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 REFERENCES

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[1] Kioko R. (2012) Last Mile Electricity financing. Kenya Economic Survey,
2013-2022
[2] www.kplc.co.ke

Once more I appreciate all the people including my field supervisor, workmates and most
importantly my school supervisor, Mr. Omondi, who assisted me and gave me all the guidance
necessary to achieve the objectives

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THANK YOU

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