President William Ruto has commissioned the 132kV Machakos–Konza–Isinya–Namanga transmission project, a major electricity infrastructural development expected to boost industrial, commercial and residential development along the Machakos-Kajiado-Namanga economic corridor.
The project, implemented by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), strengthens the national power grid by linking key economic centres in Machakos, Konza, Kajiado and Namanga, while providing additional capacity for growing industries and businesses in southern Kenya.
Speaking during the commissioning in Kajiado, President Ruto said his Administration would continue supporting the completion and implementation of development projects, to ensure they deliver tangible benefits to Kenyans.
“The Isinya–Namanga transmission project is one of the key infrastructural investments that will strengthen our electricity network and support economic growth. Stable, reliable and affordable electricity remains one of our Government’s priorities because it is essential to attracting investment, supporting industrialisation and delivering the development agenda we have set for the country,” said President Ruto.
The 109-kilometre high-voltage transmission corridor is supported by 132/33kV substations at Machakos, Konza, Kajiado (Isinya) and Namanga, all of which are operational.
The 15-kilometre Machakos-Konza section was energized in October 2016, while the 94-kilometre Isinya-Namanga section was energized in February 2024.
The infrastructure is expected to provide reliable power to major economic activities, including Konza Technopolis and SGR operations, while integrating Machakos, Konza, Isinya, Bisil, Kumpa and the Namanga border post into the high-voltage national grid.
It will also increase electricity capacity for energy-intensive industries along the Kajiado-Namanga corridor, including cement manufacturers, ceramic and tile factories and industrial parks.
Hotels, safari lodges, commercial establishments and eco-tourism ventures are also expected to benefit from improved power reliability.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS), Opiyo Wandayi, said reliable electricity was critical to the Government’s efforts to attract investment, expand productive capacity and promote regional economic integration.
“As a Government, we remain committed to putting in place the infrastructure and policy support required to unlock investment, expand productive capacity, as well as promote regional power,” said Mr Wandayi.
Principal Secretary (PS)for Energy, Alex Wachira, described the Isinya-Namanga line as a strategic addition to Kenya’s transmission network, saying it would support economic growth along one of the country’s key corridors.
KETRACO Acting Managing Director, Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, said the project would strengthen the national grid’s capacity to serve businesses and communities, while enhancing Kenya’s cross-border economic links with Tanzania.
“Namanga is a critical cross-border gateway between Kenya and Tanzania. Strengthening the electricity network up to the border, enhances power quality and reliability for businesses, industries and communities across Southern Kenya, while strengthening the infrastructure that supports cross-border economic activity,” said Eng. Kibias.
The project was implemented by KETRACO in partnership with India-based Shyama Power Limited and co-financed by the Government of Kenya and the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank).
The project was financed through an Exim Bank of India Line of Credit, with a USD61.60 million facility signed in December 2010, alongside Government of Kenya financing.
Power Grid India and KETRACO engineers supervised the implementation.
By Diana Meneto
