H.E. the President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H., has officially commissioned the 132kV Awendo–Masaba Transmission Line Project, implemented by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), a key transmission infrastructure project that has increased power transfer capacity and improved access to reliable electricity in Migori County and surrounding areas.
The KES 1.4 billion project includes 28 kilometres of 132kV single-circuit transmission line, a new substation at Masaba and an extension of the existing substation at Awendo. Together, these infrastructure upgrades have strengthened the regional electricity transmission network and enhanced the capacity to deliver reliable power in areas such as Isebania, Ikerege and Kehancha.
Speaking during the commissioning, President Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in and strengthening electricity transmission infrastructure to enhance the reliability of power supply and drive economic growth. He noted that the Government would continue to expand the transmission network to meet rising electricity demand and ensure communities, businesses and essential services have access to reliable power.
“The Awendo–Masaba transmission project is an important investment in strengthening the country’s electricity network and improving access to reliable power. My government will play an active role in supporting businesses, industries and essential services by strengthening electricity infrastructure, increasing transmission capacity and improving access to reliable power. This is critical to driving economic activity and advancing our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by extending development and opportunities to all communities,” said President Ruto.
The project has increased power transfer capacity and enhanced access to reliable electricity in Kehancha, Migori and Isebania, with an estimated 25 per cent improvement during the first year of operation.
By delivering high-voltage power directly to the new Masaba Substation, the project significantly shortened the distribution lines managed by Kenya Power. This technical improvement has reduced both the frequency and duration of power outages, particularly in urban centres and surrounding areas such as Isebania, Migori, Ikerege and Kehancha.
The project also strengthens the stability and resilience of the regional electricity supply by facilitating access to power generated from clean and diversified energy sources, including hydropower from the Sondu Power Plant and geothermal energy from the Olkaria complex.
Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, EGH, said: “The Awendo–Masaba project is a practical demonstration of the Government’s commitment to delivering on its development promise to the people of Nyanza. We are investing in infrastructure that responds to the needs of our communities, supports local industries and businesses. Nyanza must not be left behind, and projects such as this demonstrate that development is reaching the region,” said CS Wandayi.
The improved reliability of electricity supply in the region is additionally supporting industrial operations, including Sony Sugar Factory and Getonyanya Sweet Potatoes Factory, while strengthening critical public services such as healthcare delivery at Migori County Referral Hospital,
The project further supports reliable electricity supply to the Isebania One Stop Border Post (IOBP), facilitating efficient customs and border-control operations and contributing to increased cross-border trade between Kenya and Tanzania.
On his part, KETRACO Chairman of the Board of Directors, Capt. Mohamed M. Abdi said, “The KETRACO Board is providing the necessary support through effective oversight and policy direction to ensure that our projects are implemented in a timely and efficient manner. The Awendo–Masaba transmission line goes beyond adding critical transmission infrastructure; it strengthens the capacity and resilience of the national grid, enabling us to deliver reliable and quality power to areas where it is needed most. As a Board, we will ensure that these projects are not only marked as completed, but that their intended benefits are realised by the people and communities they are designed to serve,” said Capt. Abdi.
The project, which commenced in September 2021 under the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP) programme, was energised on 6th June 2025. It was financed by the Exim Bank of China and the Government of Kenya at a contract price of KES 1.4 billion. The Contractor was China Aerospace Construction Group Company Ltd (CACGC).