President William Ruto today commissioned the Sh1.4 billion Awendo–Masaba 132kV transmission line, a critical infrastructure project set to deliver more reliable electricity to Migori County and surrounding areas.

The 28-kilometre single-circuit line, built by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), features a new substation at Masaba and an upgrade to the existing Awendo Substation.

Officials say it will cut power outages and boost supply by an estimated 25 per cent in its first year of operation.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Ruto described the project as a key investment in strengthening Kenya’s electricity network to support businesses, industries and public services.

“The Awendo–Masaba transmission project is an important investment in strengthening the country’s electricity network and improving access to reliable power,” he said.

The country boss added that the government would keep expanding the transmission grid to meet rising demand under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Increased electricity supply

The high-voltage line will feed power directly into the new Masaba Substation, shortening distribution routes operated by Kenya Power. KETRACO expects fewer and shorter blackouts in Migori, Isebania, Ikerege and Kehancha.

It will also bring electricity from diverse sources, including hydropower from Sondu and geothermal power from Olkaria.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the project shows the government’s commitment to the Nyanza region.

“The Awendo–Masaba project is a practical demonstration of the Government’s commitment to delivering on its development promise to the people of Nyanza,” he said.

Local industries stand to benefit, including Sony Sugar Factory and Getonyanya Sweet Potatoes Factory. The line will also strengthen supply to Migori County Referral Hospital and other essential services.

At the Isebania One Stop Border Post, improved power is expected to support customs operations and cross-border trade with Tanzania.

KETRACO Board Chairman Capt. Mohamed M. Abdi said the focus now shifts to ensuring the infrastructure delivers results for communities.

“The Awendo–Masaba transmission line goes beyond adding critical transmission infrastructure; it strengthens the capacity and resilience of the national grid,” he said.

Work on the project began in September 2021 under the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project. It was energised on 6 June 2025. Financing came from the Exim Bank of China and the Government of Kenya, with China Aerospace Construction Group Company Ltd as contractor.

The line forms part of KETRACO’s wider drive to expand Kenya’s high-voltage network, improve reliability, reach underserved areas and support regional power trade.