Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has today marked another major milestone in strengthening Kenya’s power transmission network with the successful energization of the 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line, a strategic project set to enhance the reliability and stability of electricity supply in Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and the wider Upper Eastern region.
The line is expected to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and investment in the region, while providing the transmission capacity needed to support rising energy demand and future development.
The project comprises of 132kV 72km single-circuit transmission line from Nanyuki to Isiolo, construction of a new 132kV substation at Isiolo, and expansion works at the existing Nanyuki substation.
As part of the project implementation, approximately 4.2 km of the line near Nanyuki was redesigned from overhead transmission to underground cable infrastructure due to security restrictions around the Laikipia Air Base.
The project scope additionally included construction of a 65km of 132kV single-circuit overhead transmission line and 2km of 132kV single-circuit overhead transmission line on triple-circuit towers.
The project has improved power reliability and quality by ensuring redundancy by providing alternating power supply to Nanyuki, Kutus, Meru, Ishiara, Kieni, Kiganjo and Isiolo to support future economic development, and provide transmission infrastructure required for the LAPSSET Corridor and renewable energy developments in the region.
KETRACO Board of Directors led by Director Mercylynate Rotich who was standing in for the Board Chairperson accompanied by other Board Members, Janerose Gitobu, Nick Ochola, Eng. Thomas Karungu were pleased to witness the completion of the of the Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line.
Mercylynate while speaking during the event applauded the KETRACO staff for their dedication and service to ensuring every corner of the Country is connected to the grid.
“The energization of the Nanyuki–Isiolo Transmission Line marks a significant milestone in advancing the Government’s green energy agenda, strengthening the national grid and extending reliable electricity access to previously underserved regions.” She added.
Speaking during the energization in Nanyuki, KETRACO Ag. Managing Director Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias said the project had been a long-awaited undertaking whose journey began in 2012, noting that despite the challenges encountered along the way, the Company was pleased to see it finally come to fruition.
“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. The people of Kenya will soon see the benefits of this project following the promise by the PS, State Department for Energy, Alex Wachira who visited the project on 27th July 2026. Immediately upon energization, the voltage at Nanyuki Substation improved from 123kV to 130kV. That is an immediate benefit of this project.
At KETRACO, we are in the process of finalizing projects that had stalled while also pushing forward with new projects. For the Mount Kenya region, this is one of the most consequential transmission lines, but KETRACO is not stopping there. We want to realize the project that was initially started, connecting Loiyangalani, Marsabit and Isiolo, which will further boost voltage in the region.” Said KETRACO Ag. Managing Director, Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias.
The MD added that KETRACO is working to ensure that transmission capacity in the region is further strengthened and that KETRACO is pursuing measures to ensure the required voltage levels and additional capacity are achieved to support the region’s growing industrial and economic needs.
The project will improve access to reliable and quality electricity by strengthening the transmission network serving Isiolo and Meru, reducing interruptions and enhancing grid stability while supporting growing agricultural, industrial, commercial and public service needs in the region.
The MD noted that in addition, the 132kV line will facilitate the integration and evacuation of future renewable energy projects in Upper Eastern and Northern Kenya, while providing an alternative power supply route that enhances grid redundancy, security, transmission capacity and operational flexibility.
The project was financed by KCB Bank Belgium and the Government of Kenya, with the underground cable component supported through financing arrangements with the Africa Development Bank.
The project was developed by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), with the Initial works were done by CG Holding Limited, Belgium and completion works for the overhead transmission line undertaken by Burhani Engineers Limited. The underground cable component was implemented by a Consortium comprising Dongfang Electric International Corporation and Qingdao Hanhe Cable Company Limited.
KETRACO is looking forward to energizing the 132KV Nanyuki-Rumuruti Transmission Line in three weeks’ time.