KETRACO energizes the 400/220kv Mariakani substation
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The Mariakani substation is a critical power gateway linking the Coast to the Nairobi national transmission grid.
It forms part of the Nairobi-Mombasa Transmission Line, designed to carry more than 1000MW of electricity between the two regions and ease pressure on the Coast’s power network.
The grid is also essential to realise the operational benefits of the 500kV Ethiopia - Kenya and 400kV Kenya - Tanzania Interconnectors.
According to KETRACO, the substation will play a key role in Kenya’s push toward 100 per cent clean energy by 2030, allowing more geothermal power from Olkaria, wind power from Lake Turkana Wind Plant and hydro power from Ethiopia to reach the Coast region.
“With this development, the Coast will significantly reduce its reliance on expensive and polluting diesel power, especially during peak evening hours. Cleaner, reliable and stable energy will now flow more efficiently, lowering costs and stabilizing supply,” said KETRACO Acting Managing Director Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias.
Financing for the Mariakani Substation was provided through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank (AfDB) at a total cost of KES 3B. China CAMC Eng. Co. Ltd were the implementing Contractor for the project and was supervised by KETRACO engineers. This collaboration underscores strong confidence in Kenya’s energy future.
Beyond the substation, AfDB is also the lead financier of the transmission lines linking Mariakani to Nairobi and Rabai. These include the 400kV double-circuit transmission line from Isinya to Mariakani and the 220kV double-circuit line from Mariakani to Rabai.
400/220kV Mariakani Substation completes the second phase of Mombasa-Nairobi Transmission Line Project.
By reinforcing the Mariakani link at 400kV, KETRACO aims to provide stable electricity supply that will support industrial growth, attract investment and improve everyday life for millions of Kenyans.
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