Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has successfully energized the 400kV Isinya–Konza Transmission Line and the 400/132/66kV Konza Substation, boosting grid reliability and securing power supply for Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city.
The milestone marks a significant step in strengthening the national transmission network and enhancing the quality and reliability of electricity supply in the lower eastern region.
The project provides the capacity required to support the growth of Konza Technopolis and other emerging industrial, commercial, and residential developments.
The scope of the project includes a 48km 400kV double-circuit transmission line, two 350MVA 400/132kV transformers, and two 75MVA 132/66kV transformers.
The infrastructure enhances power transfer capability, improves network stability, and provides additional flexibility in the operation of the national grid.
In a statement, KETRACO Managing Director, Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, said the energization represents another major milestone in the country’s efforts to build a resilient transmission network capable of supporting Kenya’s growing electricity demand and long-term development aspirations.
“The successful energization of the Isinya–Konza Transmission Line and Konza Substation strengthens the reliability of the national grid and guarantees quality power supply to Konza Technopolis and surrounding areas,” said Eng. Kibias.
“This project is critical in supporting industrialization, attracting investments, and advancing Kenya’s Vision 2030 development agenda,” he added.
The Managing Director noted that the development will facilitate the evacuation and distribution of electricity to the lower eastern region while improving the overall resilience and stability of the national grid through enhanced interconnectivity and alternative power supply paths.
“KETRACO remains committed to developing and maintaining a robust transmission system that supports economic growth, regional integration, and universal access to reliable electricity,” he said.
The project was financed by the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank of China) and the Government of Kenya at a total cost of KES 8.4 billion and was executed by China Aerospace Construction Group Company Limited (CACGC).
This development will significantly enhance electricity transmission capacity and access to power across Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni counties, supporting growing residential, commercial, and industrial demand.
It will further strengthen the reliability and stability of electricity supply in the region, reducing network constraints and improving power quality for consumers.
The project will additionally provide Konza Technopolis with access to adequate and reliable green energy from some of Kenya’s key renewable energy sources, including Kipeto Wind Power, the Olkaria Geothermal Power Plants, and the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project in Loiyangalani, as well as hydroelectric power imported from Ethiopia.
These diverse energy sources are transmitted through the national grid via the Suswa 400kV Substation and the existing Isinya 400kV Substation, ensuring a robust and sustainable power supply to support the growth of the country’s premier smart city.
The successful completion of the project underscores Kenya’s continued investment in modern energy infrastructure aimed at accelerating industrialization, enhancing regional connectivity, and advancing the country’s transition to a sustainable and reliable power system.
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