The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has announced the completion and energisation of the 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line.
The project is expected to enhance the stability and quality of electricity supply in Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and surrounding areas while providing additional transmission capacity to support growing demand.
The 72-kilometre project comprises a 132kV single-circuit transmission line between Nanyuki and Isiolo, a new 132kV substation in Isiolo and expansion works at the existing Nanyuki substation.
KETRACO said the line will provide an alternative power supply route, creating greater redundancy in the transmission network and helping reduce interruptions.
The project is also expected to support economic activities in the region, including agriculture, industry, commerce and public services, by providing more reliable electricity.
Speaking during the energisation in Nanyuki, KETRACO Acting Managing Director Kipkemoi Kibias said the project had been long awaited, with its journey dating back to 2012.
“The journey of this project started in 2012, and despite the challenges, we are happy that today the people of Nanyuki, Isiolo and, by extension, the people of Nyeri, can finally see this long-awaited project come to fruition,” Kibias said.
He said the project had already delivered an immediate improvement in voltage levels at the Nanyuki Substation.
“Immediately upon energisation, the voltage at Nanyuki Substation improved from 123kV to 130kV. That is an immediate benefit of this project,” he said.
KETRACO said the project would also provide transmission infrastructure needed for the LAPSSET Corridor and facilitate the integration and evacuation of electricity from future renewable energy projects in Upper Eastern and Northern Kenya.
According to the utility firm, the project includes approximately 4.2 kilometres of underground cable near Nanyuki.
The section was redesigned from an overhead line because of security restrictions around Laikipia Air Base.
The wider works also included 65 kilometres of 132kV single-circuit overhead transmission line and two kilometres of overhead transmission line on triple-circuit towers.
KETRACO Board Director Mercylynate Rotich, who represented the Board Chairperson during the event, commended the company’s staff for their work in expanding the national transmission network.
She said the project marked progress in strengthening the national grid and extending reliable electricity supply to areas that had previously faced challenges.
KETRACO said the new line would provide alternative supply to areas including Nanyuki, Kutus, Meru, Ishiara, Kieni, Kiganjo and Isiolo, improving operational flexibility and grid stability.
Kibias said KETRACO was also working to complete other transmission projects that had stalled while advancing new projects to meet the country’s growing electricity needs.
He said the company was pursuing the development of the Loiyangalani-Marsabit-Isiolo transmission link, which would further strengthen voltage levels and transmission capacity in the region.
KETRACO expects to energise the 132kV Nanyuki-Rumuruti Transmission Line within three weeks, adding to efforts to strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure in the Mount Kenya region.
