Africa-Press – Kenya. Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, President William Ruto and Barigo governor Benjamin Cheboi during the commissioning of the Sh1.5 billion 132kV Lessos–Kabarnet Transmission Line/PCSPresident William Ruto has commissioned the Sh1.5 billion 132kV Lessos–Kabarnet Transmission Line.
The power infrastructure project expected to significantly improve electricity reliability in Baringo and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties while strengthening the national grid.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Kabarnet, Ruto said the project would be a catalyst for economic transformation in the region by delivering reliable, affordable and stable electricity to thousands of households and businesses that have long endured power shortages and outages.
“This is a transformative investment that will be fully integrated into the national grid. It will supply reliable and affordable electricity, deliver critical services, accelerate employment for our youth and power our economic growth,” the President said.
The 65-kilometre transmission line replaces the overstretched 33kV supply from Lessos with a higher-capacity 132kV backbone, a move that is expected to dramatically improve voltage quality and reduce frequent power interruptions that have constrained economic activity in the North Rift region.
Energy officials said the project is strategically designed to enhance electricity reliability in both Baringo and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties while reinforcing grid stability across the North and Central Rift.
Once fully integrated, the line will play a critical role in supporting Kenya’s long-term energy planning and expansion of clean power sources.
Beyond addressing immediate power challenges, the Lessos–Kabarnet Transmission Line will be connected to the national grid through the planned 132kV Kabarnet–Rumuruti Transmission Line.
This future link will connect the North Rift region to the Mt Kenya power network, significantly improving regional interconnectivity and enabling efficient power flows across the country.
The project is also a key component in evacuating electricity from several geothermal power plants in the Central and North Rift regions.
By providing a reliable transmission route for geothermal energy, the line is expected to boost clean energy uptake, improve overall grid stability and strengthen Kenya’s power transmission capacity.
Energy planners say the project delivers three major strategic outcomes simultaneously. First, it replaces an overstretched and unreliable supply line with a robust high-voltage system that can meet both current and future demand.
Second, it strengthens grid stability across the North and Central Rift, reducing vulnerability to outages.
Third, it prepares the region for future growth by seamlessly integrating with planned transmission corridors linking geothermal, hydropower and wind energy sources, including power from the Seven Forks hydropower complex and the Loiyangalani wind project.
For residents of Baringo and surrounding areas, the commissioning of the line marks a turning point.
For years, stable electricity supply has been more of an aspiration than a reality, limiting industrial growth and discouraging investment.
Small and medium-scale manufacturers have faced high operational costs due to unreliable power, constraining expansion and job creation.
