Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has energized the 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line, adding transmission capacity and improving the reliability and stability of electricity supply across the Upper Eastern region.
Key Overview:
- The 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo transmission line was energized on Friday.
- The project includes a 72km single-circuit transmission line, a new 132kV Isiolo substation and expansion works at Nanyuki Substation.
- More than 80% of Nanyuki Substation loads were carried by the new line during a peak period.
- The project is expected to support rising electricity demand, economic development and renewable energy projects.
- Financing came from KCB Bank Belgium and the Government of Kenya, with the underground cable component supported through the African Development Bank.
Kenya Energizes 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) on Friday energized the 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line, a project expected to enhance the reliability and stability of electricity supply in Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and the wider Upper Eastern region.
According to KETRACO, the transmission line will provide the capacity needed to support rising electricity demand and future development in the region.
The project is also expected to strengthen the national grid, improve power quality and create greater capacity for economic activities and investment in areas served by the transmission network.
New Line Carries More Than 80% of Nanyuki Loads
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said the new transmission line had already demonstrated its importance by carrying more than 80% of all Nanyuki Substation loads during a peak period on Thursday.
“Before, all these loads would have all been carried by the Kiganjo-Nanyuki transmission line, all the way from Masinga dam. The Masinga-Kiganjo-Nanyuki transmission line has now been relieved of these loads meaning it has a greater capacity to support the customers connected at Kiganjo Substation,” said PS Wachira.
The shift means that the existing Masinga-Kiganjo-Nanyuki transmission line can now operate with greater capacity to support customers connected to Kiganjo Substation.
The additional transmission capacity is expected to provide greater flexibility within the electricity network while reducing pressure on existing infrastructure.
Project Includes 72km Transmission Line
The Nanyuki-Isiolo project comprises a 132kV 72km single-circuit transmission line running between Nanyuki and Isiolo.
It also includes construction of a new 132kV substation at Isiolo and expansion works at the existing Nanyuki Substation.
According to KETRACO, the project includes approximately 4.2 kilometres of underground cable near Nanyuki. The section was redesigned from an overhead transmission line because of security restrictions around Laikipia Air Base.
The wider transmission works included approximately 65 kilometres of 132kV single-circuit overhead transmission line and two kilometres of overhead transmission line on triple-circuit towers.
The infrastructure is intended to provide redundancy to the electricity network, allowing alternating power supply to Nanyuki, Kutus, Meru, Ishiara, Kieni, Kiganjo and Isiolo.
Project Journey Started in 2012
KETRACO Acting Managing Director Kipkemboi Kibias said the project had taken several years to reach completion, with its journey dating back to 2012.
“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,” said Kibias.
He said the project would enhance power reliability and stability in Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and the wider Upper Eastern region.
Kibias also said the transmission infrastructure would help unlock opportunities for economic growth and investment while providing the capacity needed to meet future energy demand.
KETRACO is also working on other projects intended to strengthen transmission capacity in the Mount Kenya region.
“We are in the process of finalizing projects that had stalled while also pushing forward with new projects. For the Mount Kenya region, this is one of the most consequential transmission lines, but KETRACO is not stopping there. We want to realize the project that was initially started, connecting Loiyangalani, Marsabit and Isiolo, which will further boost voltage in the region,” he added.
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Infrastructure to Support Renewable Energy and LAPSSET
The Nanyuki-Isiolo transmission project is expected to provide infrastructure needed for future economic development as well as renewable energy projects in the region.
KETRACO said the project would also provide transmission infrastructure required for the LAPSSET Corridor and renewable energy developments.
Improved transmission infrastructure can help accommodate increasing electricity demand while supporting the integration and movement of power from generation projects to areas where it is needed.
The project is therefore expected to play a role beyond improving electricity supply to existing customers, by creating additional capacity for future developments in the Upper Eastern region.
Financing from Government and KCB Bank Belgium
The project was financed by KCB Bank Belgium and the Government of Kenya.
The underground cable component was supported through financing arrangements with the African Development Bank.
The combination of new transmission infrastructure, substation expansion and underground cabling forms part of efforts to expand and strengthen Kenya’s national electricity transmission network.
The project is expected to improve power reliability and quality by providing redundancy and alternative power supply routes to several locations in the region.
KETRACO Seeks Stronger National Grid
KETRACO Board Director Mercylynate Rotich, who represented the Board Chairperson during the event, commended the company’s staff for their work in expanding Kenya’s national transmission network.
The KETRACO Board said the line would strengthen the national grid and extend reliable electricity access to previously underserved regions.
For consumers and businesses in Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and surrounding areas, the additional transmission capacity is expected to provide a more stable electricity supply.
The project also comes as electricity demand continues to grow and as Kenya develops additional energy infrastructure, including renewable energy projects.
Outlook
The energization of the 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line marks the completion of a long-awaited transmission project that began in 2012.
With a 72km transmission line, a new Isiolo substation and expansion of the Nanyuki Substation, the project provides additional capacity and redundancy for the Upper Eastern region.
KETRACO expects the infrastructure to support rising electricity demand, improve reliability and quality of supply, and create the transmission capacity required for future economic development, the LAPSSET Corridor and renewable energy projects.
The company also plans to continue advancing transmission projects in Mount Kenya and wider northern regions, including the proposed connection linking Loiyangalani, Marsabit and Isiolo.
FAQs
1. What is the Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line?
The Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line is a 132kV, 72km single-circuit transmission project developed by KETRACO to strengthen electricity supply and improve grid reliability in Kenya’s Upper Eastern region.
2. Which areas will benefit from the Nanyuki-Isiolo transmission line?
The project is expected to improve electricity reliability and stability in Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia, Nanyuki and the wider Upper Eastern region, while also supporting areas including Kutus, Ishiara, Kieni and Kiganjo.
3. How will the project improve Kenya’s electricity supply?
The line provides an alternative power supply route and reduces pressure on the existing Masinga-Kiganjo-Nanyuki transmission line. During a peak period, the new line carried more than 80% of Nanyuki Substation loads.
4. How was the Nanyuki-Isiolo transmission project financed?
The project was financed by KCB Bank Belgium and the Government of Kenya, while the underground cable component received support through financing arrangements with the African Development Bank.
Sources: Citizen Digital, The Star, People Daily
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