KETRACO energizes 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line

According to KETRACO, the line is expected to provide the transmission capacity needed to support rising energy demand and future development. 

Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira noted that the new transmission line was able to carry 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 project comprises of 132kV 72km single-circuit transmission line from Nanyuki to Isiolo, construction of a new 132kV substation at Isiolo, and expansion works at the existing Nanyuki substation. 

As part of the project implementation, approximately 4.2 km of the line near Nanyuki was redesigned from overhead transmission to underground cable infrastructure due to security restrictions around the Laikipia Air Base. 

The project scope additionally included construction of a 65km of 132kV single-circuit overhead transmission line and 2km of 132kV single-circuit overhead transmission line on triple-circuit towers.

The project has improved power reliability and quality by ensuring redundancy by providing alternating power supply to Nanyuki, Kutus, Meru, Ishiara, Kieni, Kiganjo and Isiolo to support future economic development, and provide transmission infrastructure required for the LAPSSET Corridor and renewable energy developments in the region.

The energy PS further termed the line energization as an important economic boost for Nyeri County. 

KETRACO Board of Directors led by Director Mercylynate Rotich,  while speaking during the event, said the line would strengthen the national grid and extend reliable electricity access to previously underserved regions.” 

On his part, KETRACO Ag. Managing Director Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias said the project had been a long-awaited undertaking whose journey began in 2012, noting that despite the challenges encountered along the way, the Company was pleased to see it finally come to fruition.

"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," said Kibias. 

The project is expected to improve access to reliable and quality electricity by strengthening the transmission network serving Isiolo and Meru, reducing interruptions and enhancing grid stability while supporting growing agricultural, industrial, commercial and public service needs in the region. 

The MD noted that in addition, the 132kV line will facilitate the integration and evacuation of future renewable energy projects in Upper Eastern and Northern Kenya, while providing an alternative power supply route that enhances grid redundancy, security, transmission capacity and operational flexibility. 

KETRACO is now planning to energizing the 132KV Nanyuki-Rumuruti Transmission Line in three weeks’ time.