The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has moved closer to completing the strategic 132kV Nanyuki–Rumuruti underground transmission project, a major infrastructure investment expected to significantly improve electricity reliability across the Mt. Kenya region.

KETRACO Managing Director Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias on Thursday led an inspection tour of the project to assess its progress ahead of its planned energization.

He was accompanied by KETRACO Project Manager Eng. Moses Kerre, Senior Resident Engineer Eng. Dennis Busolo, Eng. Benjamin Onyoncha from Kenya Power, and engineers from both KETRACO and Kenya Power representing the Transmission, Protection, and Systems Control departments.

The inspection underscored the government's commitment to strengthening the national transmission network and ensuring stable electricity supply for households, businesses, and industries in central and northern Kenya.

Once completed, the 132kV underground transmission line will create a ring power system around the Mt. Kenya region, enhancing grid resilience and improving electricity stability in Meru, Isiolo, Nanyuki, Kiganjo, and Rumuruti.

The project is expected to address longstanding power quality challenges experienced in Rumuruti and Maralal, which are currently supplied through a lengthy 33kV distribution line from the 132/33kV Lanet Substation. The long transmission distance has resulted in frequent voltage drops, technical losses, and unstable power supply.

According to KETRACO, energizing the new underground cable will reinforce the regional electricity grid by reducing transmission losses while providing a more reliable and efficient power supply to consumers.

The project also lays the foundation for increased renewable energy integration into Kenya's national grid. The new 132/33kV Rumuruti Substation will facilitate the evacuation of electricity from the upcoming 40MW Rumuruti Solar Project, enabling solar power to complement hydropower generated from the Kamburu and Masinga dams.

This is expected to diversify Kenya's energy mix while supporting the country's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable sources of electricity.

Residents and businesses in Maralal are also set to benefit, with the improved transmission infrastructure projected to deliver a stronger voltage profile, fewer power interruptions, and enhanced electricity reliability.

The Nanyuki–Rumuruti underground transmission project forms part of KETRACO's broader strategy to modernize Kenya's power transmission network, improve grid stability, and support the country's growing demand for electricity as industrialization and economic activities continue to expand.