Govt reveals Ksh2.5B electricity project that will cut power outages in Mt Kenya
By Wanjira Wachira, July 27, 2026The Nanyuki-Rumuruti 132kV underground cable project is nearing completion, with the government saying it is expected to improve the reliability of electricity supply across parts of the Mt Kenya region and northern Kenya.
The project, implemented by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) and funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Kenya, is designed to strengthen the electricity transmission network serving Laikipia, Isiolo, Rumuruti and neighbouring counties.
Speaking during an inspection of the project on Monday, July 27, 2026, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said the new infrastructure is intended to address longstanding vulnerabilities in the region’s electricity transmission system.
According to Wachira, the Mt Kenya region currently relies on two main electricity supply routes, one running from Masinga Dam through Karatina and Kutus to Nanyuki and another from Kamburu through Meru to Isiolo. He said the two transmission corridors are not interconnected.
As a result, maintenance work or faults affecting either transmission line can interrupt electricity supply in parts of the region.
“When there is maintenance on either the Kutus line or the Meru line, sections served by those lines experience outages because there is no alternative supply route,” Wachira said.
Project scope
The project includes about 16.8 kilometres of 132 kV double-circuit underground cable between Nanyuki and Rumuruti, supported by approximately 70 kilometres of overhead transmission line to the Rumuruti Substation.
It also comprises about 4.2 kilometres of underground cable between Nanyuki and Isiolo, together with approximately 68 kilometres of overhead transmission line linking to Isiolo Substation.
According to KETRACO, the project is expected to improve voltage stability, reduce technical losses and create alternative transmission routes that can be used if one line is unavailable.
Wachira said the additional transmission links are designed to improve the resilience of the electricity network by allowing power to be supplied through another route during maintenance or system faults.
The Ksh2.5 billion project began in 2023 and is expected to be energised in phases after testing is completed.
Expected impact
The Energy Ministry says the project is expected to improve power quality in Nanyuki, where some consumers have experienced voltage fluctuations.
Wachira said supplying electricity through the Isiolo transmission route is expected to improve voltage levels once the project becomes operational.
Beyond Nanyuki, the transmission links are expected to strengthen electricity supply to Rumuruti, Maralal and surrounding areas by reducing reliance on existing transmission corridors.
The government has also awarded the Kabarnet-Rumuruti transmission line project, which is expected to provide an additional transmission route into the region.
Officials say expanding the transmission network will help accommodate growing electricity demand as more households and businesses are connected to the national grid.
Transmission infrastructure carries high-voltage electricity from generating stations to substations before it is distributed to homes, businesses and industries. Electricity sector officials say that strengthening the transmission network improves grid reliability by providing alternative power pathways during maintenance and unexpected outages.