Kenya’s Ruto Commissions KES 4 billion Mariakani Substation

Kenya President William Ruto has commissioned the fully energised 400/220kV Mariakani Substation in Kilifi County, a KES 4 billion project developed by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company.

Funded through a partnership between the Kenyan government and the African Development Bank, the project was executed by China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd under the supervision of KETRACO engineers. It is regarded as the most strategic power substation in the Coast region and serves as a key link between the Coast and Nairobi through the national transmission grid.

The upgraded substation is expected to significantly improve electricity transmission capacity and support the government’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy. For years, the Coast region has depended heavily on costly thermal power because of limited local renewable generation.

Since the Mariakani Substation and related transmission infrastructure were energised in December 2025, thermal power generation in the Coast has fallen sharply from 100MW to 35MW, a 65 percent reduction in fossil fuel-based supply. The facility, which was originally built as a 220kV substation, has now been upgraded to 400kV to improve power quality, reliability and transmission efficiency.

The project also allows the Coast to draw more electricity from Olkaria and the Suswa Substation, helping strengthen supply across the region. Officials say the improved capacity will support industrial growth, investment and the expansion of Kenya’s Blue Economy initiatives.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026, President Ruto said the government remains committed to clean and sustainable energy technologies that will drive economic growth while protecting the environment.

According to KETRACO Acting Managing Director Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, the Mariakani infrastructure has also reduced the Coast’s dependence on expensive diesel-powered electricity generation.

He said the 400kV Mariakani–Isinya double-circuit transmission line has improved voltage stability, enhanced overall power quality and made electricity supply more reliable for homes, businesses and industries.