Kenya Expands Grid Capacity with New Transmission Line in Homa Bay

Kenya has strengthened its power transmission network with the commissioning of the 132 kV Sondu–Homa Bay line, launched on March 23 by President William Ruto. The roughly 69-kilometer line, developed by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) in Homa Bay County, is designed to reinforce the national grid by creating a more direct link to the South Nyanza region.

The project is expected to reduce congestion on existing lines, limit technical losses, and improve the stability and reliability of electricity supply.

Fully funded by the government, the line is part of broader public investment aimed at strengthening the resilience of energy infrastructure and supporting local economic activity. By creating a shorter and more efficient transmission route to the region, the project will help ease pressure on the already overloaded grid, improve supply reliability, and support future industrial and commercial growth across southern Nyanza, KETRACO said in a LinkedIn post.

In Kenya, electricity generation already relies heavily on renewable sources, which account for nearly 90% of supply, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Solar and wind are playing an increasing role, representing about a quarter of the country’s installed capacity.

The rapid expansion of renewable energy, particularly variable sources, raises challenges for grid stability, reliability, and resilience, the agency notes. In this context, strengthening transmission infrastructure is critical to ensuring a stable power system and reliable electricity supply.