KETRACO energises 132kV Nanyuki-Rumuruti power line to boost electricity supply in Laikipia

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) has successfully energised the 86.4-kilometre, 132kV Nanyuki-Rumuruti Transmission Line, a significant advancement in boosting electricity supply and network resilience in Laikipia County and the Mount Kenya region. On October 2, 2026, KETRACO announced that the transmission line was live at 4:04 pm, with both 132kV and 33kV voltages confirmed stable, completing the connection between Nanyuki and Rumuruti.

This project addresses the longstanding electricity supply issue in Rumuruti, traditionally reliant on a 33kV distribution line from Lanet. The new transmission link will cut the distribution network serving Rumuruti by about 50%, reducing technical losses and enhancing the quality, efficiency, and reliability of electricity supply.

The 86.4-kilometre, single-circuit transmission line was built on double-circuit towers, with approximately 16.8 kilometres of underground cable installed to address operational and security concerns raised by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) near Laikipia Airbase. KETRACO's Managing Director, Tom Imbo, emphasized that the new infrastructure will bolster electricity supply, attract businesses and investors, and create opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, and other sectors.

The improved network resilience and flexibility will benefit Laikipia, Nyahururu, and neighboring areas by ensuring a more reliable electricity supply for farmers, businesses, and industries. The Nanyuki-Rumuruti line follows KETRACO's recent energisation of the 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo Transmission Line, further strengthening the transmission network serving Nanyuki, Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia, and the broader Upper Eastern region.

The project was jointly funded by the Government of Kenya, the African Development Bank, and Exim Bank of India. The underground cable works were executed by Dongfang Electric International Corporation and Qingdao Hanhe Cable Company Limited for USD 14.3075 million, while the overhead transmission line works were undertaken by Jyoti Structures Limited and completed by China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd. (CAMCE) for USD 4.580425 million.

The successful energisation highlights KETRACO's staff and project teams' efforts and the Board of Directors' support in advancing transmission infrastructure.