President Ruto commissions Loitoktok, Isinya transmission lines

At Loitoktok Substation, the 132kV Sultan Hamud–Loitoktok Transmission Line is expected to strengthen the power network serving Kajiado South and parts of Makueni County.

On the other hand, the 132kV Machakos–Konza–Isinya–Namanga Transmission Infrastructure Development Project is expected to boost connectivity in Machakos, Konza, Kajiado and Namanga. It is expected to create the capacity needed to support the corridor’s growing industrial, commercial and residential activity.

The Machakos–Konza–Isinya–Namanga project includes a 109-kilometre high-voltage transmission corridor, supported by 132/33kV substations at Machakos, Konza, Kajiado (Isinya) and Namanga.

According to the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), sections of the line have been progressively brought into service, with the 15-kilometre Machakos–Konza section energised in October 2016 and the 94-kilometre Isinya–Namanga section energised in February 2024.

On the other hand, KETRACO says the 132kV line from Loitoktok substation, stretching from Sultan Hamud in Makueni County to Loitoktok in Kajiado County, is expected to establish a stronger transmission link between the two counties and bring increased power transfer capacity closer to one of the region’s key economic load centres.

The completion of the 107-kilometre transmission line, KETRACO says, has strengthened the power network serving Kajiado South and parts of Makueni, providing residents and businesses with a more stable and reliable electricity supply.

Speaking when he commissioned the transmission lines, Ruto said the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to delivering transformative projects that improve the lives of Kenyans.

“We are investing in critical electricity infrastructure to unlock economic opportunities, support businesses and improve livelihoods. This project will increase power transfer capacity, improve electricity access in Kajiado South and strengthen the tourism sector around Amboseli National Park, ensuring that communities and businesses benefit from the opportunities created by reliable power,” said President Ruto.

Concerning the Isinya-Namanga project, the Head of State said it was essential to attracting investment, supporting industrialisation and delivering Kenya Kwanza’s development agenda.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the country is witnessing increasing demand for energy from both private individuals and the wider economy.

“The Sultan Hamud–Loitoktok line and its substations are part of this important infrastructure development programme implemented by the government of Kenya,” said Wandayi.

“Reliable electricity is at the heart of this agenda, and through projects such as the Isinya–Namanga transmission line, we are creating the foundation for businesses and industries to grow, while advancing the objectives of BETA,” added Wandayi.

On his part, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira termed the Isinya–Namanga line a very strategic line, in supporting growth along one of the country’s most important economic corridors.

“It also represents an important addition to Kenya’s national electricity transmission network, strengthening power supply to key economic load centres, supporting flagship development projects, and unlocking opportunities for industrial and commercial growth along the Machakos–Kajiado–Namanga corridor,” said Wachira.

On his part, KETRACO Acting Managing Director, Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, termed the transmission lines as essential infrastructure in strengthening the capacity of the national grid.

said the significance of completing and integrating this infrastructure is that it strengthens the national grid's capacity to support an entire chain of economic activity.

“There is also a regional dimension to this investment. 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,” Kibias said on the Isinya-Namanga project.