- Kenya has strengthened grid reliability after energising the Sondu–Homa Bay transmission line while advancing a $311 million transmission PPP to expand high-voltage capacity.
- The projects support Kenya’s push for universal electricity access and a fully renewable power mix by 2030.
Kenya has strengthened its national electricity grid after the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) energised the 132kV Sondu–Homa Bay (Ndhiwa) transmission line. This project improves power stability across the South Nyanza region and strengthens the country’s transmission network.
The 69km transmission line improves electricity reliability in Homa Bay and nearby communities. It also reduces technical losses, increases transmission capacity and supports industrial and economic activity in the region. In addition, the line extends and reinforces the national grid, helping utilities deliver more stable power to homes and businesses.
The new infrastructure also creates an alternative transmission route for electricity generated at the Sondu and Sangoro power stations. As a result, the system can reduce outages and maintain supply during faults or maintenance. Therefore, households, hospitals, schools and industries can now access more dependable electricity.
The Government of Kenya funded the project and engaged a local contractor to deliver it. This approach strengthens local capacity, supports job creation and promotes sustainable infrastructure development. At the same time, the project aligns with Kenya’s national energy policy, which positions electricity as a driver of industrialisation. The country is targeting universal electricity access and aims to achieve a fully renewable power mix by 2030.
In a related development, Kenya signed a major power transmission public-private partnership (PPP) agreement in December 2025. This project will add 620kV of high-voltage transmission capacity, making it one of the country’s largest energy infrastructure investments.
The PPP project is anchored by Africa50, which works with Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID). The project is valued at about $311 million (approximately KSh40.4 billion). It covers two major transmission corridors: the 400kV Lessos–Loosuk line across Nandi and Samburu counties, and the 220kV Kibos–Kakamega–Musaga line, which expands high-voltage capacity into Western Kenya.
Together with new substations and grid connections, the infrastructure will improve system reliability and reduce power losses. Moreover, it will support the integration of renewable energy into Kenya’s national grid.
Under the 30-year concession, the Africa50–POWERGRID consortium will design, finance, build, operate and maintain the transmission lines and substations. Meanwhile, KETRACO will make performance-based payments tied to service delivery. This structure helps ensure long-term reliability and accountability.
The new high-voltage lines will also allow operators to reroute electricity during faults or maintenance. Consequently, the grid can minimise power interruptions. In addition, new substations at Loosuk, Lessos, Kibos, Kakamega and Musaga will help manage power flows, protect equipment and support rising electricity demand across Kenya’s economy.