Nyanza and Western Kenya have received a major boost in electricity reliability following the successful energisation of the Sondu–Ndhiwa–Homa Bay–Awendo 132kV transmission line and its associated substations.
The project is expected to reduce power outages, support industry, and unlock new economic activity across the region.
The Government described the development as a major milestone in strengthening regional grid reliability and addressing long-standing power supply constraints that had limited economic growth in parts of western Kenya.
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The project was spearheaded by the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Energy, Alex Kamau Wachira, in partnership with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO).
Administrative support was provided by the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to ensure smooth implementation and system stability.
Coordination on the ground was led by the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, who said that multi-agency collaboration was critical to the efficient delivery of the project.
Electricity Reliability Improved in Nyanza and Western Kenya as Line Goes Live
The transmission line came online at 4:07 p.m., initiating a project intended to stabilize the electricity supply in a region that has regularly faced load shedding.
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Load shedding in the region has stopped since the line was switched on. The new transmission line has eased congestion on the Muhoroni–Chemosit corridor, which had been carrying heavy loads for an extended period.
Before the new line was switched on, Ndhiwa received no power from Sondu, while the Muhoroni–Chemosit line carried loads of up to 68MW, straining the system.
After energization, Sondu can now deliver 27MW to Ndhiwa.
The load on the Muhoroni–Chemosit line has dropped to 40MW, and power flows between Muhoroni and Kisumu have fallen significantly.
According to engineers, the rebalancing of power flows reduces the risk of overloads and cascading outages.
The move has improved grid resilience, and energy planners expect national peak electricity demand to rise as previously suppressed demand in Nyanza is released.
How the New Electricity Line Will Benefit Residents and Industries
Consistent power is a major driver of economic development.
The new transmission line is expected to benefit several productive sectors in the region. Agro-processing industries, including sugar, cotton, maize, and dairy value chains, are set to gain from a more stable power supply.
Fishing communities around Lake Victoria are set to benefit, with more reliable electricity supporting cold storage and fish processing facilities.
This is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and boost incomes.
The strengthened grid will support County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, which depend on reliable electricity to attract investors and operate competitively.
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Small and medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing, hospitality, and retail are also expected to benefit from fewer power interruptions.
According to officials, the project aligns with Kenya’s push towards a 24-hour economy. It will enable businesses and service providers to operate beyond daylight hours with greater confidence in electricity availability.
Evening power reliability will help traders, digital workers, and service providers operate more efficiently.
Schools and health facilities will benefit from improved electricity and internet, enabling digital learning, modern labs, and enhanced services.
Kenya Power and Lighting Company Chair Joy Mdivo said some regions have long been underserved due to infrastructure gaps and limited transmission capacity.
She added that the current administration is addressing past marginalisation to ensure equal opportunities.
Mdivo noted that power supply in western Kenya and Nyanza has long been affected by ageing infrastructure and prolonged outages.
The new line, she said, will significantly stabilize supply. It will also support County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, fish cooling plants, and key processing industries.
Audits are expected to provide updated figures on new household connections and electrification rates.
The expanded line will supply thousands of homes and businesses. Residents are likely to see more consistent power, supporting local economic activity and business operations.
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