Kenya Power has successfully energized the Sondu-Ndhiwa-Homa Bay-Awendo 132kV transmission line, marking a significant milestone in improving the reliability of electricity supply to the South Nyanza and South Rift regions. This new infrastructure is expected to ease the long-standing issues of grid constraints and load shedding, offering a more stable and efficient power supply to businesses, communities, and public institutions.
The energization of the high-voltage transmission line took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 4:07 p.m., after passing several commissioning tests conducted by Kenya Power and Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO). With the completion of this project, the area now benefits from a stronger and more resilient grid, ensuring that electricity is delivered consistently even during peak demand hours.
Strengthening the Grid: A Major Step Forward for Nyanza and South Rift
The introduction of the 132kV Sondu-Ndhiwa-Homa Bay-Awendo transmission line is part of a larger initiative to strengthen the Nyanza and Western Kenya grid. For years, the region has faced significant electricity supply challenges, including frequent rotational power outages caused by overloaded transmission corridors and insufficient capacity. The new line directly links Ndhiwa to the Sondu generation plant, which reduces the strain on the Muhoroni-Chemosit transmission corridor and stabilizes power delivery across the entire South Nyanza region.
For the first time in years, the region has been able to pass through peak demand hours without experiencing load shedding, a major improvement for the millions of residents who rely on a stable electricity supply for their daily activities. The successful energization of this transmission line is a testament to the effectiveness of Kenya Power’s strategy to address longstanding infrastructure bottlenecks.
Enhanced Economic Activity and Industrial Growth
Beyond providing stable electricity, the new transmission line is expected to stimulate significant economic growth in the Nyanza and Western Kenya regions. The enhanced power supply will support key agro-processing industries, which rely heavily on uninterrupted electricity to operate effectively. For instance, industries involved in sugar, cotton, maize, and dairy processing stand to benefit greatly, as stable electricity will reduce downtime and improve overall production efficiency.
One of the standout benefits of the new line is the positive impact on fishing communities around Lake Victoria. These communities, which rely on cold storage and fish processing facilities, will see a reduction in post-harvest losses. The availability of reliable power will enable these facilities to operate efficiently, preserving fish quality and supporting the livelihoods of those working in the fishing industry.
Additionally, the new infrastructure will help support the growth of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, providing a more dependable energy supply to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across industries like manufacturing, hospitality, and retail. As a result, businesses will experience fewer interruptions and enhanced operational continuity, which will encourage further investment and expansion in these sectors.
Unlocking New Demand and Economic Growth Potential
With improved power supply and more reliable energy access, Kenya Power expects the newly energized grid to unlock previously suppressed electricity demand in the region. This demand surge is a positive indicator of rising industrial and commercial activity, as businesses are now confident in the stability of their energy sources. Experts predict that the reliable power supply could push Kenya toward a new national peak demand, reflecting the growing interest in industrial development and the expansion of commercial enterprises in these previously underserved areas.
The improvements in energy access come at a crucial time, as the Kenyan government continues to promote its vision for a 24-hour economy. This initiative aims to encourage businesses, traders, and service providers to extend their operating hours beyond the traditional daylight hours. With consistent power supply, companies can confidently operate round the clock, creating a more dynamic and competitive business environment across Nyanza and South Rift.
Benefits for Public Institutions: Enabling Digital and Modern Services
The new 132kV transmission line also brings significant advantages to public institutions, particularly schools and health facilities, which will now benefit from improved last-mile connectivity. This development is essential for the continued digitization of education, as it ensures that digital learning platforms can operate smoothly without interruptions. Modern laboratories and health services in public institutions will also see improved service delivery, as these facilities will now have consistent electricity to power critical systems and equipment.
The new line aligns with the Kenyan government’s ongoing efforts to create a digital-first education system and improve healthcare delivery across the country. Reliable electricity is a prerequisite for the development of these services, which rely on technology to enhance both the quality and accessibility of education and medical care.
Statement from Kenya Power CEO: A Milestone for the Region
Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror, Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Power, emphasized the importance of this project in reinforcing the electricity grid in both Nyanza and Western Kenya. He described the completion of the Sondu-Ndhiwa-Homa Bay-Awendo transmission line as a major step forward for the region, one that will help alleviate pressure on the existing network and improve the reliability and voltage stability of the power supply.
“This is a significant reinforcement of the Nyanza and Western grid,” Dr. Siror said. “It strengthens the supply path into the region, relieves pressure on overloaded sections of the network, and improves reliability, voltage stability, and customer experience. The entire region will benefit from more reliable electricity, which will be crucial for both economic development and public services.”
A Bright Future for Nyanza and South Rift
The energization of the Sondu-Ndhiwa-Homa Bay-Awendo 132kV transmission line marks a transformative development for the South Nyanza and South Rift regions. With the promise of more reliable electricity, the new transmission line paves the way for economic growth, business expansion, and improved quality of life for residents.
As Kenya Power continues to collaborate with Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) and other sector agencies, the company remains focused on strengthening the national grid and ensuring that all Kenyans have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. This new line is just the beginning, and the ongoing development of Kenya’s energy infrastructure is expected to fuel further progress in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare.
A Strategic Investment in Kenya’s Future
The successful energization of the 132kV transmission line is a key milestone in Kenya Power’s efforts to improve the reliability and efficiency of the country’s electricity grid. The long-term benefits of this project extend beyond power supply—helping to drive economic development, industrial growth, and enhanced public services. As the country continues to focus on sustainable energy and digital inclusion, this infrastructure project is a vital step toward unlocking the full potential of the Nyanza and South Rift regions.
