Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) Sunday recorded a major milestone with the energization of the 400/220kV Mariakani Substation and the 132kV Lessos–Kabarnet Transmission Line.
The projects will enhance grid stability, enable geothermal power evacuation, and strengthen electricity supply in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and the wider national grid.
The update from the transmission company stated that the engineers shall today energize the 400kV switchyard and connect the substation to 400kV Isinya-Mariakani line 1 substation, thereby upgrading the 405km Isinya-Mariakani line 1 transmission Line to operate at 400kV.
Once completed, this will significantly enhance power transfer capacity between Kenya’s Coast region and the wider national grid.
The Mariakani development is part of broader efforts to modernise Kenya’s transmission infrastructure to support growing demand and ensure system reliability.
Upgrading long-distance lines to 400kV reduces losses and improves the stability of electricity supply, particularly during peak demand.
Meanwhile, in the Rift Valley, another major transmission milestone has been achieved. The 132kV Lessos–Kabarnet Transmission Line has been successfully energized, paving the way for improved electricity supply in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
KETRACO confirmed that it “has successfully energized the 132kV Lessos–Kabarnet Transmission Line at 0920hrs, following the energization of the 132/33kV Kabarnet Substation at 1006hrs.”
The transmission line spans more than 65 kilometres and is expected to play a crucial role in extending the national grid into underserved areas.
The project brief notes that “spanning over 65 kilometres, the 132kV Lessos–Kabarnet Transmission Line will provide reliable and stable electricity supply to Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, strengthening and extending the national power transmission grid.”
Beyond regional supply, the Lessos–Kabarnet line is strategically important for national grid integration. It will be linked through the planned 132kV Kabarnet–Rumuruti Transmission Line, linking the north rift region to the Mount Kenya power network.
This connection is expected to enhance redundancy and improve power flow across regions.
The project also has implications for Kenya’s renewable energy ambitions. The transmission line will also interconnect with several geothermal power plants, providing a critical evacuation route for power generated from geothermal resources in the Central and North Rift regions, thereby enhancing overall grid stability and reliability.
Kenya is a global leader in geothermal energy, and reliable evacuation infrastructure is essential to fully utilise this resource.
Following the successful energization works, the Lessos–Kabarnet project has been earmarked for official commissioning.
The update notes that it is scheduled for commissioning by President William Ruto, Monday, December 22, 2025.
Together, the Mariakani and Lessos–Kabarnet projects signal a decisive push to reinforce Kenya’s electricity backbone.
By expanding high-voltage capacity and integrating renewable energy sources, the developments are expected to support economic growth, industrial activity, and improved living standards across multiple regions of the country.
