Game-Changer for Nyanza: New power line ends outages, powers economic rise

A major boost to electricity reliability has arrived for Nyanza and the wider Western Kenya following the successful energisation of the Sondu–Ndhiwa–Homa Bay–Awendo 132kV transmission line and its associated substations.

The line can deliver approximately 70MW of additional capacity through the Kisumu–Sondu–Ndhiwa path, enough to power around 70,000 additional households across Homa Bay, Migori and beyond.

It also serves as an alternative supply path to neighbouring areas, enhancing power quality and redundancy. With ongoing and upcoming connection programmes, electrification coverage in South Nyanza and it’s surrounding areas of the South Rift supplied by the line is improving by 15% - from an average of about 40% to roughly 55% - marking a significant expansion in access alongside reliability gains.

This is a celebrated achievement as it closes on the gap to leading regions such as Kiambu where 91% of households have access to electricity as per indicated reports.

The Government has framed this as a major milestone in strengthening regional grid reliability and correcting long-standing supply constraints that previously limited economic growth in parts of western Kenya. The new capacity is expected to significantly reduce outages, support industry and unlock new economic activity across the region.

The intervention was spearheaded by PS State Department of Energy Alex Kamau Wachira in partnership with Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited, with critical administrative support from the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to ensure seamless implementation and system stability.

The coordination support was led by PS Raymond Omollo of the State Department of Internal Security and National Administration, who deployed NGAO officers on the ground, noting that multi-agency collaboration was essential in delivering the project efficiently.

Power began flowing through the line at approximately 4:07 p.m. (1607hrs), marking the operational start of a project long viewed as critical to stabilising electricity supply in a region that has historically faced periodic load shedding and infrastructure-related disruptions.

The impact has been immediate and measurable. Persistent load shedding that previously affected the region has now been eliminated,

while the new line has decongested the Muhoroni–Chemosit corridor that had been operating under heavy strain.

Before energisation, Sondu supplied no power to Ndhiwa while the Muhoroni–Chemosit line carried loads as high as 68MW - levels considered stressful for system stability. After energisation, Sondu now supplies 27MW to Ndhiwa, while the load on Muhoroni–Chemosit has reduced to 40MW and flows between Muhoroni and Kisumu have dropped significantly, allowing electricity to be distributed more efficiently across the network.

Engineers note that such rebalancing reduces the risk of overloads and cascading outages, strengthening grid resilience. Energy planners anticipate a potential rise in national peak electricity demand as previously suppressed demand in Nyanza is unlocked, signalling renewed economic activity and growth.

Reliable electricity is widely recognised as a foundational driver of economic growth, and the new line is expected to directly benefit several productive sectors in the region. Agro-processing industries including sugar, cotton, maize and dairy value chains are poised to gain from more stable supply. For fishing communities around Lake Victoria, improved reliability will support cold storage and fish processing facilities, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing incomes.

The strengthened grid also supports County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, which depend on reliable electricity to attract investors and operate competitively. Local SMEs in manufacturing, hospitality and retail are expected to experience improved business continuity with fewer power interruptions.

Officials note that the new infrastructure aligns with Kenya’s push toward a 24-hour economy, enabling businesses, markets and service providers to operate beyond daylight hours with greater confidence in electricity availability. Reliable evening power particularly benefits traders, digital workers and service providers who depend on lighting and connectivity to extend operating hours and increase incomes.

Public institutions are also set to benefit as expanded last-mile connectivity improves electricity and internet access for schools and health facilities, enabling digital learning, modern laboratories and better service delivery.

According to the Chair of Kenya Power and Lighting Company, Joy Mdivo, some parts of Kenya historically remained underserved due to infrastructure gaps and limited transmission capacity. She noted that deliberate investments are correcting past marginalisation and expanding opportunity.

She added that dependable power will support industrial parks and facilities such as fish cooling plants, strengthen the transition toward a 24-hour economy, and enable industries such as sugar, cotton, maize and milk processing to operate more reliably. Outcomes for schoolchildren are also expected to improve as last-mile electricity and internet connectivity expand.

Additional figures on new household connections and electrification rates are expected once final audits are completed, with thousands of homes and businesses projected to benefit from the expanded capacity.

For residents in towns across the region, the energised line signals more than improved electricity. It represents stronger local economies, greater national inclusion, expanded opportunity and a foundation for long-term regional growth. Reliable power is not just infrastructure - it is a catalyst for enterprise, investment and community wellbeing.