Residents and businesses in the Coast region are set to receive stable electricity supply following the commissioning of a Sh4 billion Mariakani power substation in Kilifi County by President William Ruto.
The fully energized 400/220KV Mariakani substation, developed by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), will improve power reliability in the region, which has for years grappled with unstable electricity supply and frequent outages affecting homes, businesses and industries.
The project, considered one of the most strategic power facilities in the Coast region, forms a key link in the national transmission grid connecting the Coast to Nairobi, strengthening electricity transmission capacity and reducing dependence on expensive thermal power generation.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at Mariakani town, Kilifi County, President Ruto said the government remained committed to ensuring adequate and reliable electricity supply across the country to spur industrial growth, economic transformation and improved livelihoods.
The Mariakani substation, initially developed as a 220KV facility, has been upgraded to 400KV, enabling the Coast region to draw more electricity from inland renewable energy sources, including geothermal power from Olkaria, through the national grid.
According to KETRACO, the thermal power generation at the Coast has significantly reduced from 100 megawatts to 35 megawatts following the energization of the substation and transmission infrastructure, representing a 65 per cent reduction in unstable fossil fuel-based electricity
KETRACO Managing Director, Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, said the project had already improved voltage stability and enhanced overall power quality, resulting in a more reliable electricity supply for households, businesses and industries.
“The Mariakani transmission infrastructure has significantly reduced the Coast region’s reliance on expensive diesel-powered electricity generation by enabling efficient transfer of power between Nairobi and Mombasa,” he said.
It forms part of the Nairobi–Mombasa transmission line, designed to transmit more than 1,000 megawatts of electricity between the two regions while easing pressure on the Coast’s power network.
The project was financed through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank.
The commissioning of the Mariakani Substation cements Kenya’s position as a regional leader in clean energy transition, regional power integration and modern electricity transmission infrastructure.
By Jackson Msanzu
