Kenya Power Welcomes New 132kV Line as Nyanza, South Rift Enjoy Improved Power Supply

Kenya Power has welcomed the successful energisation of the Sondu–Ndhiwa–Homa Bay–Awendo 132kV transmission line, saying the project will significantly improve electricity reliability in South Nyanza and parts of the South Rift, ending years of grid constraints and load shedding.

In a statement issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, Kenya Power said the line was switched on on Wednesday evening at 4:07 p.m., adding a stronger transmission path into the region, easing pressure on overloaded corridors and improving overall network resilience.

The high-voltage line, developed by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), was integrated into the national grid following successful joint commissioning tests with Kenya Power to ensure safety and stability.

Following energisation, Ndhiwa is now receiving power directly from the Sondu generation plant, significantly reducing strain on the previously overstretched Muhoroni–Chemosit transmission corridor and stabilising supply across the wider South Nyanza region.

For the first time in recent years, the region has passed through peak demand hours without load shedding, a sharp contrast to the rotational outages that had become common due to transmission bottlenecks.

Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror said the project marks a major reinforcement of the Nyanza and Western grid.

“This is a significant reinforcement of the Nyanza and Western grid. It strengthens the supply path into the region, relieves pressure on overloaded sections of the network, and improves reliability, voltage stability and customer experience,” Dr Siror said.

Economic boost for Nyanza

Beyond stabilising electricity, the new line is expected to deliver a major boost to economic activity across Nyanza and Western Kenya. Reliable power will support agro-processing industries including sugar, cotton, maize and dairy, which depend on uninterrupted electricity to operate efficiently.

Fishing communities around Lake Victoria are also set to benefit as improved power supply supports cold storage and fish processing facilities, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing incomes.

The strengthened grid will further support County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, as well as small and medium enterprises in manufacturing, hospitality and retail, by cutting outages and improving business continuity.

Energy planners say the improved supply has unlocked previously suppressed electricity demand in the region and could push Kenya to a new national peak demand, signalling rising industrial and commercial activity.

Supporting a 24-hour economy

The project aligns with the Government’s drive to build a 24-hour economy, allowing businesses, traders and service providers to operate beyond daylight hours with confidence in stable electricity.

Public institutions such as schools and health facilities are also expected to benefit from better last-mile connectivity, enabling digital learning, modern laboratories and improved service delivery.

Kenya Power reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with KETRACO and other sector agencies to strengthen the national grid and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to all Kenyans.

Read: New 132kV Power Line Ends Load Shedding Nyanza and Western

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