NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has commissioned two electricity transmission projects aimed at strengthening Kenya’s power grid and improving electricity reliability across parts of Kajiado, Makueni and Machakos counties.
The President commissioned the 132kV Sultan Hamud–Loitoktok Transmission Line and Loitoktok Substation in Kajiado South on Thursday, as well as the Machakos–Konza–Isinya–Namanga transmission infrastructure, which connects key economic centres in the Lower Eastern region.
The projects are expected to increase power transfer capacity, improve the reliability of electricity supply and support growing industrial, commercial and residential activity along the Machakos–Kajiado–Namanga corridor.
At the Loitoktok Substation, the Sultan Hamud–Loitoktok line strengthens the transmission network serving Kajiado South and parts of Makueni County.
KETRACO says the transmission link is designed to bring additional power transfer capacity closer to key economic load centres and provide a stronger connection between the two counties.
The 107-kilometre line is also expected to improve the stability and reliability of electricity supplied to residents and businesses in the region.
Machakos–Konza–Isinya–Namanga corridor
The Machakos–Konza–Isinya–Namanga project strengthens the electricity network connecting Machakos, Konza, Kajiado and Namanga.
KETRACO says the project is intended to connect these load centres to the national grid, improve access to reliable electricity and support developments including Konza Technopolis and other emerging industrial and commercial centres.
The broader project includes transmission infrastructure and substations serving the corridor, with KETRACO currently listing the Machakos–Konza–Isinya–Namanga project as a 109-kilometre transmission development.
Parts of the network have been brought into service progressively. The Machakos–Konza section was commissioned in November 2016, while KETRACO announced the energisation of the 400kV Isinya–Konza line and Konza substation in June 2026.
Speaking during the commissioning, Ruto said the investments in electricity infrastructure were intended to unlock economic opportunities and support businesses and communities.
“We are investing in critical electricity infrastructure to unlock economic opportunities, support businesses and improve livelihoods.”
Ruto said the Sultan Hamud–Loitoktok project would improve electricity access in Kajiado South and support economic activity, including tourism around Amboseli National Park.
He also described the Isinya–Namanga infrastructure as important to attracting investment and supporting industrialisation along the corridor.
Government links reliable power to economic growth
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said rising electricity demand from households and businesses required continued investment in transmission infrastructure.
“The Sultan Hamud–Loitoktok line and its substations are part of this important infrastructure development programme implemented by the government of Kenya,” Wandayi said.
He said reliable electricity was central to the government’s plans to create conditions for businesses and industries to expand.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira described the Isinya–Namanga line as a strategic addition to the national transmission network.
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Wachira said the infrastructure would strengthen electricity supply to key economic load centres and support industrial and commercial growth along the Machakos–Kajiado–Namanga corridor.
KETRACO Acting Managing Director Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias said the projects would strengthen the capacity of the national grid and support a wider chain of economic activity.
Kibias also highlighted the regional importance of Namanga, which serves as a major cross-border gateway between Kenya and Tanzania.
He said strengthening the electricity network towards the border would improve power quality and reliability for businesses, industries and communities in southern Kenya while supporting cross-border economic activity.
The projects form part of ongoing investments to reinforce Kenya’s transmission network and provide additional capacity as electricity demand grows across the country.
