Renson Mwakandana
Kenya 🇰🇪 has become the first country in East and Central Africa to create the first-ever Live Line Laboratory, which was built at USD $17 million (KSh 2 billion) by Kenya Power.
The laboratory, according to Kenya Power Acting Managing Director Geoffrey Muli, will be utilized to test and certify equipment used in the Live Line Maintenance Program.
“The Live Line Laboratory we are launching today was constructed to test Live Line work tools and equipment such as gloves, trucks, and link sticks among others, to ensure safety to users,” Muli said during the launch.
Muli further stated that the lab, which opened three years after the beginning of a Live Line Maintenance Program, will save money in terms of payment for previously outsourced services. “Kenya Power, which has been outsourcing these services for KSh 36 million yearly,” he explained, “is looking to make a saving in line with its cost management philosophy.”
KPLC stated that preparations are in the works to have the laboratory accredited by the Kenya Accreditation Services (KENAS) so that it can test rubber insulating equipment for other businesses in the country and region.
“The laboratory will significantly contribute to the gains associated with the Live Line Programme such as reduction in unserved energy and improved customer satisfaction.
Through the Live Line technology, new premium customers are being connected to the network without waiting for a shutdown which is a double gain in that the customers are brought on board as soon as they are ready and we can meet our service charter timelines for customer connections,” the Director stated.
The laboratory’s range will be expanded in the medium term to include insulation verification testing and certifications for additional network equipment, according to the company.
Testing apparatus such as a rubber glove and sleeve tester, line hose tester, rubber insulating blanket tester, hot stick tester, rubber goods washer, rubber goods dryer, and portable testing equipment are among the lab’s equipment.
The laboratory’s scope will be expanded in the medium term to include insulation verification testing and certifications for additional network equipment, according to the company.
