New 132kV Power Line Eases Blackout Risk in South Nyanza and South Rift

Residents and businesses in South Nyanza and parts of the South Rift are set to enjoy more stable electricity supply following the activation of a new high-voltage transmission line linking Sondu, Ndhiwa, Homa Bay and Awendo.

Kenya Power has confirmed the successful switching on of the Sondu–Ndhiwa–Homa Bay–Awendo 132kV transmission line, a project implemented by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), describing it as a major boost to regional grid reliability.

According to a press release issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, the line was energized on Wednesday evening at 4:07pm, creating a stronger transmission pathway into a region that has long grappled with constrained electricity corridors.

“The line was switched on…adding a stronger transmission path into the region, easing pressure on constrained corridors, and improving network resilience,” Kenya Power said.

Beyond the technical milestone, the immediate impact is already being felt on the ground. Following the energisation, Ndhiwa began receiving power directly from the Sondu generation plant, significantly reducing pressure on the previously overstretched Muhoroni–Chemosit section of the grid. This has helped stabilise electricity supply across South Nyanza.

For consumers, the most visible change has been the absence of planned outages during peak hours. Kenya Power noted that, “for the first time in recent times, the region has gone through peak hours without load management,” a sharp contrast to previous periods marked by rotational power rationing due to grid limitations.

The utility attributed the smooth transition to joint transmission works and commissioning tests conducted with KETRACO to ensure the new line was safely integrated into the national grid.
Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror described the project as a strategic reinforcement of the western power network.

“This is a significant reinforcement of the Nyanza and Western grid. It strengthens the supply path into the region, relieves pressure on overloaded sections of the network, and improves reliability, voltage stability, and customer experience,” he said.

The development comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to modernise its electricity infrastructure, reduce outages and support economic activity in regional hubs outside major cities.

Kenya Power reiterated its commitment to working closely with sector agencies, including KETRACO, to strengthen the national grid and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply across the country.