H.E. the President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H., has today officially commissioned the 132kV Machakos–Konza–Isinya–Namanga Transmission Infrastructure Development Project, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Kenya’s electricity transmission network and supporting growth along one of the country’s most important economic corridors.
Implemented by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), the project strengthens the electricity backbone connecting Machakos, Konza, Kajiado and Namanga, creating the capacity needed to support the corridor’s growing industrial, commercial and residential activity.
The Machakos–Konza–Isinya–Namanga project includes a 109-kilometre high-voltage transmission corridor, supported by 132/33kV substations at Machakos, Konza, Kajiado (Isinya) and Namanga. Sections of the line have been progressively brought into service, with the 15-kilometre Machakos–Konza section energised in October 2016 and the 94-kilometre Isinya–Namanga section energised in February 2024. The substations are fully operational.
Speaking during the commissioning, President H.E President Ruto reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to ensuring that development projects are completed on time and deliver the intended benefits to Kenyans. He said the Government would continue to support all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as implementing partners, to ensure that projects are delivered effectively and contribute to the country’s development agenda and the attainment of Vision 2060.
“The Isinya–Namanga transmission project is one of the key infrastructure investments that will strengthen our electricity network and support economic growth. Stable, reliable and affordable electricity remains one of our Government’s priorities, because it is essential to attracting investment, supporting industrialisation and delivering the development agenda we have set for the country,” said President Ruto.
The project supports key transformation pillars under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by providing dedicated and uninterrupted power supply to Konza Technopolis and SGR operations. It also integrates key economic load centres including Machakos, Konza, Kajiado, Bisil, Kumpa and the Namanga cross-border post into the high-voltage national grid.
The infrastructure provides additional capacity for energy-intensive industries along the Kajiado-Namanga corridor, including cement manufacturing, ceramic and tile factories and industrial parks, while supporting hotels, safari lodges, commercial facilities and eco-tourism activities. It also strengthens electricity quality and reliability for businesses and communities across Southern Kenya up to the Tanzania border.
“As a Government, we remain committed to putting in place the infrastructure and policy support required to unlock investment, expand productive capacity as well as promote regional power. Reliable electricity is at the heart of this agenda, and through projects such as the Isinya–Namanga transmission line, we are creating the foundation for businesses and industries to grow, while advancing the objectives of BETA,” said Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, EGH.
On his part, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Energy Mr. Alex Wachira said,“The Isinya–Namanga line is a very strategic line, as it supports growth along one of the country’s most important economic corridors. It also represents an important addition to Kenya’s national electricity transmission network, strengthening power supply to key economic load centres, supporting flagship development projects, and unlocking opportunities for industrial and commercial growth along the Machakos–Kajiado–Namanga corridor.”
KETRACO Acting Managing Director, Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, said the significance of completing and integrating this infrastructure is that it strengthens the capacity of the national grid to serve an entire chain of economic activity.
“There is also a regional dimension to this investment. Namanga is a critical cross-border gateway between Kenya and Tanzania. Strengthening the electricity network up to the border enhances power quality and reliability for businesses, industries and communities across Southern Kenya, while strengthening the infrastructure that supports cross-border economic activity, The completion and commissioning of this infrastructure demonstrates KETRACO’s commitment to developing a robust transmission network that responds to Kenya’s growing energy needs. It will strengthen grid connectivity and provide the capacity needed for economic growth and regional integration.” Said Eng. Kibias.
The project was executed by KETRACO in partnership with M/s Shyama Power Limited of India and co-financed by the Government of Kenya and the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank)and supervised by both Power Grid India and engineers from KETRACO.
It was funded via the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) Line of Credit (USD61.60M facility signed Dec 2010) and Government of Kenya at a total cost of USD 9.47M.