By Anne Nyambura
President William Ruto on Wednesday conducted an inspection tour of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) 400kV/220kV Mariakani Substation in Kilifi County, a crucial infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the country’s power transmission capacity.
The substation is a vital component of the 400 kV Mombasa-Nairobi Transmission Line, which runs from Mariakani in Kilifi County to the Isinya Substation in Kajiado County near Nairobi. Once operational, the project will strengthen power supply, improve system reliability, and support industrial expansion while increasing electricity access across the coastal region.
The Kshs 3.9 billion project is being implemented under the System Reinforcement Project, with financing from the World Bank (WB) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). It is linked to the broader 220kV Nairobi Metropolitan Ring, which enhances the stability of Kenya’s national grid.
Speaking during the inspection, KETRACO Managing Director Dr. Eng. John Mativo emphasized that the energization of the 400 kV Mariakani-Isinya Transmission Line will significantly reduce dependence on costly diesel-generated electricity in the coastal region.
“The double-circuit line will efficiently transfer power between Mombasa and Nairobi, minimizing transmission losses and improving efficiency,” said Dr. Mativo. “This will also enhance the reliability of electricity supply to the Special Economic Zone in Dongo Kundu, supporting industrialization and economic growth.The project will facilitate the importation of electricity from Ethiopia and optimize power from the Olkaria geothermal complex, reducing reliance on local generation and stabilizing power supply in key coastal areas.
The 400 kV transmission line from Rabai to Nairobi, initially completed in 2017 and operating at 220 kV, will be upgraded to full capacity by June 2025, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s energy infrastructure development.
The Mariakani Substation is financed through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and AfDB, with the AfDB contributing USD 29.03 million and the government providing Kshs. 143.5 million.
KETRACO, a state-owned entity established in 2008, is leading the development of Kenya’s high-voltage transmission infrastructure, ensuring reliable, affordable, and accessible electricity for all Kenyans.
Through projects like the Mariakani substations, KETRACO aims to spearhead Kenya’s high-voltage transmission infrastructure development, enhancing reliable, affordable, and accessible electricity to support national and industrial growth.
