Residents and businesses in parts of the Mt Kenya and Upper Eastern regions are set to benefit from a stronger electricity network after the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) switched on the long-awaited 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo transmission line.
The line was energised on Thursday, August 27, 2026, marking a major step in a project that has been in the works since 2012. The development is expected to improve the reliability and stability of electricity supplied to Nanyuki, Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and neighbouring areas.
The project involves a 72-kilometre, 132kV single-circuit transmission line linking Nanyuki and Isiolo, construction of a new 132kV substation in Isiolo and expansion of the existing Nanyuki Substation.
KETRACO Acting Managing Director Kipkemoi Kibias said the impact of the project could already be seen immediately after the line was energised, particularly through improved 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,” Kibias said.
A project that took more than a decade
The completion brings an end to a long wait for infrastructure that KETRACO says is important for the growth of the region.
The project has faced delays since its launch in 2012. KETRACO has identified the Nanyuki-Isiolo link as part of efforts to strengthen the transmission network, improve power quality and respond to rising electricity demand.
Kibias acknowledged the long journey during the energisation ceremony.
“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,” he said.
One of the unusual features of the project is the use of an underground cable along part of the route. About 4.2 kilometres near Nanyuki was redesigned from an overhead line to an underground cable because of security restrictions around Laikipia Air Base.
The rest of the route consists mainly of overhead transmission infrastructure.
More reliable electricity for the region
The new line gives the electricity network an additional transmission route, reducing reliance on a single supply path. This is important because faults or maintenance on one route can otherwise have a wider impact on consumers.
KETRACO expects the additional capacity to support electricity demand from homes, farms, businesses, industries and public institutions across the region.
Agriculture and commercial activities in areas such as Meru, Isiolo and Laikipia require dependable electricity for processing, refrigeration, irrigation and other operations. A stronger transmission network could therefore support both existing businesses and new investments.
The project is also expected to create room for future renewable energy developments by providing transmission infrastructure through which new power projects can connect to the national grid.
More projects in the pipeline
KETRACO says the Nanyuki-Isiolo line is only part of its plans to strengthen the electricity network in the region.
The company is preparing to energise the 132kV Nanyuki-Rumuruti transmission line, which it expects to bring online within three weeks.
KETRACO is also pursuing the planned Loiyangalani-Marsabit-Isiolo transmission link. The project is expected to provide another boost to electricity supply in northern Kenya and improve the capacity of the grid to serve growing demand.
The stronger transmission network is also important for the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor, commonly known as LAPSSET, where increased electricity capacity will be needed as logistics, manufacturing and other commercial activities expand.
For residents and businesses in the affected counties, however, the immediate benefit is straightforward: a stronger grid, improved voltage and greater protection against electricity interruptions as the region continues to grow.
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