The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has switched on the 132kV Sondu-Ndhiwa Homa Bay Awendo line transmission line, marking a major milestone in strengthening electricity supply infrastructure in the region.
Kenya Power has welcomed the energization of the line saying the project will significantly enhance power reliability in South Nyanza and parts of the South Rift. Following the energisation, Ndhiwa began receiving electricity directly from the Sondu power generation plant. This has reduced strain on the heavily loaded Muhoroni–Chemosit transmission corridor and stabilised supply across South Nyanza and neighbouring areas.
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Power demand
Kenya Power noted that, for the first time in recent periods, the region experienced peak demand hours without the need for load management. Previously, customers in South Nyanza and parts of the South Rift were subjected to rotational power outages due to transmission constraints. Demand in the region averages about 120 MW, far exceeding the 81 MW capacity of the Kisumu–Muhoroni transmission line, forcing the utility to shed approximately 20 MW during evening peak hours to maintain system stability. Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO, Dr (Eng) Joseph Siror, described the project as a major reinforcement of the Nyanza and Western Kenya grid.
“This is a significant reinforcement of the supply network. It strengthens the power supply path into the region, relieves pressure on overloaded lines, and improves reliability, voltage stability, and customer experience,” he said.
KETRACO confirmed that the project involved the construction of approximately 69 kilometres of a 132kV single-circuit transmission line linking Sondu to Ndhiwa, as well as loop-ins to the Sondu and Sang’oro power stations. The new line shortens the transmission distance to Homa Bay and Ndhiwa from over 200 kilometres to just 69 kilometres, reducing technical losses and improving efficiency.
In addition to enhancing supply stability, the line provides an alternative evacuation route for power generated at the Sondu and Sang’oro stations and is expected to improve electricity supply in Kericho County through the Sotik–Chemosit–Kisii transmission corridor.
KETRACO Acting Managing Director, Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, said the project will support industrial growth and socio-economic development in the region while emphasising public safety along the transmission corridor. The government-funded project is being implemented over a 24-month period running from May 30, 2024, to May 30, 2026, at a total cost of US $5M.
