New 132kV Power Line Transforms Nyanza, Ends Outages and Spurs Economic Growth

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Nyanza and parts of Western Kenya are set for a new era of reliable electricity following the successful energisation of the Sondu–Ndhiwa–Homa Bay–Awendo 132kV transmission line and its associated substations, a project expected to significantly reduce power outages and unlock economic growth across the region

The new transmission line adds about 70 megawatts (MW) of capacity through the Kisumu–Sondu–Ndhiwa corridor enough to supply electricity to an estimated 70,000 additional households in Homa Bay, Migori and surrounding counties. It also provides an alternative supply route to neighbouring areas, improving power quality, system redundancy and overall grid stability

With ongoing and planned connection programmes, electrification coverage in South Nyanza and parts of the South Rift served by the line is projected to rise by 15 per centfrom an average of 40 per cent to approximately 55 per cent. This marks a major step toward closing the access gap with leading regions such as Kiambu, where household electricity access stands at about 91 per cent

Government officials have hailed the project as a critical milestone in strengthening regional grid reliability and addressing long-standing supply constraints that previously hampered economic development in western Kenya. The additional capacity is expected to drastically cut outages, support industrial growth and stimulate new economic activity

The project was spearheaded by Principal Secretary for the State Department of Energy, Alex Kamau Wachira, in collaboration with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO). Administrative and security support was provided by the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), coordinated by Interior and National Administration PS Raymond Omollo, to ensure smooth implementation

Electricity began flowing through the line at 4:07 p.m. (1607hrs), marking the operational start of infrastructure long regarded as vital to stabilising power supply in a region historically affected by load shedding and network congestion.

The impact has been immediate. Persistent load shedding in the region has been eliminated, and congestion along the overstretched Muhoroni–Chemosit line has eased significantly. Prior to energisation, Sondu supplied no power to Ndhiwa, while the Muhoroni–Chemosit line carried loads of up to 68MW levels considered risky for system stability

Following energisation, Sondu now supplies 27MW to Ndhiwa, while the load on the Muhoroni–Chemosit line has dropped to 40MW, with reduced flows between Muhoroni and Kisumu

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Engineers say the rebalancing lowers the risk of overloads and cascading outages, strengthening grid resilience. Energy planners also anticipate a rise in national peak demand as previously suppressed electricity consumption in Nyanza is unlocked an indicator of renewed economic activity

Reliable electricity is expected to directly benefit key productive sectors in the region. Agro-processing industries such as sugar, cotton, maize and dairy stand to gain from stable power, while fishing communities around Lake Victoria are set to benefit from improved cold storage and fish processing facilities, reducing post-harvest losses and boosting incomes

The upgraded grid will also support County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, which rely on dependable electricity to attract investors. Small and medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing, hospitality and retail are expected to enjoy improved business continuity, while the enhanced infrastructure aligns with Kenya’s drive toward a 24-hour economy

Public institutions, including schools and health facilities, are also poised to benefit from expanded last-mile connections that improve electricity and internet access, enabling digital learning, modern laboratories and better service delivery

Kenya Power and Lighting Company Chairperson Joy Mdivo noted that historical infrastructure gaps left some regions underserved, but targeted investments are now correcting those imbalances. She said reliable power will strengthen industrial parks, support fish cooling plants and improve outcomes for schoolchildren as electricity and connectivity expand

Further details on new household connections and updated electrification rates are expected once final audits are completed, with thousands of homes and businesses projected to benefit

For residents across Nyanza, the energised transmission line represents more than improved electricity supply it signals stronger local economies, greater inclusion and a solid foundation for long-term regional growth. Reliable power, officials say, is not just infrastructure, but a catalyst for investment, enterprise and community wellbeing