Kenya has finally energized the long-awaited 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line, ending a 14-year wait for a project expected to improve electricity supply and support new investment across the Mount Kenya and Upper Eastern regions.
The 72-kilometre transmission line was energized on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), marking the completion of a project that began in 2012.
KETRACO Acting Managing Director Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias said consumers had already begun seeing the benefits, with voltage levels at the Nanyuki Substation improving shortly after the line was switched on.
“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,” Kibias said.
What the new transmission line means
One of the immediate benefits of the project is improved voltage stability.
According to KETRACO, voltage at the Nanyuki Substation rose from 123kV to 130kV almost immediately after the transmission line was energized.
“That is an immediate benefit of this project,” Kibias said.
The new line is expected to strengthen electricity supply to Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and the wider Upper Eastern region while reducing interruptions and improving the reliability of power.
It will also provide an alternative electricity supply route connecting areas such as Nanyuki, Kutus, Meru, Ishiara, Kieni, Kiganjo and Isiolo.
The additional transmission capacity is expected to support growing agricultural, industrial, commercial and public-service activities across the region.
How the project will support investment
Beyond improving household electricity supply, the transmission line is expected to provide infrastructure needed for economic expansion.
KETRACO said the project will support the LAPSSET Corridor and help integrate and evacuate electricity generated by future renewable energy projects in Upper Eastern and Northern Kenya.
The development is also expected to strengthen Kenya’s wider electricity grid by providing additional transmission capacity and greater redundancy.
This could become increasingly important as demand for electricity grows alongside new businesses, industries and renewable energy projects.
Why part of the line was built underground
The project has an unusual feature near Nanyuki.
A 4.2-kilometre section of the transmission route was redesigned from an overhead line into an underground cable because of security restrictions around Laikipia Air Base.
The project also includes a new 132kV substation at Isiolo and expansion works at the existing Nanyuki Substation.
The wider transmission works consist of about 65 kilometres of 132kV single-circuit overhead line and another two kilometres constructed on triple-circuit towers.
KETRACO plans more transmission projects
KETRACO says the completion of the Nanyuki-Isiolo line is part of a wider effort to revive stalled projects and expand Kenya’s transmission network.
Kibias said the company is also pursuing a planned transmission connection linking Loiyangalani, Marsabit and Isiolo, which is expected to further improve voltage levels in the region.
The company also expects to energize the 132kV Nanyuki-Rumuruti Transmission Line within three weeks.
The additional project would further expand electricity transmission capacity across the Mount Kenya region and improve the reliability of the national grid.
Boost to Kenya’s green energy plans
KETRACO Board Director Mercylynate Rotich said the project would contribute to Kenya’s efforts to expand access to reliable electricity while supporting the country’s green-energy ambitions.
“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,” Rotich said.
The project was financed by KCB Bank Belgium and the Government of Kenya, while the underground cable component received support from the African Development Bank.
Initial works were undertaken by Belgium-based CG Holding Limited, while Burhani Engineers Limited handled completion works on the overhead transmission line.
The underground section was implemented by a consortium comprising Dongfang Electric International Corporation and Qingdao Hanhe Cable Company Limited.
For residents and businesses in the region, however, the most immediate sign of the project’s impact came when the Nanyuki Substation voltage increased from 123kV to 130kV following energization.
