Kenya Power has completed a major power infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the reliability and stability of electricity supply across parts of Machakos and Kitui counties, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing grid modernization and rural electrification agenda.
The project involved the construction of an interconnector between Kitui and Machakos Counties at a cost of KSh 22 million. The new line strengthens electricity supply around South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) and nearby areas including Kwavonza and Katangini, while offering an alternative power feed to customers in parts of Machakos County.
Machakos–Kitui Interconnector: Enhancing Power Reliability
Speaking during the project announcement, Mr. John Wanyolke, Kenya Power’s Kitui County Business Manager, said the interconnector will significantly improve power reliability and customer experience in the region.
“This project will enhance service delivery and customer experience by improving the quality of power supply,” said Mr. Wanyolke.
“Previously, SEKU University and adjacent customers were served by the Masii power line from Katoloni in Machakos County, which often experienced outages due to its expansiveness. The new interconnector will stabilize voltage and ensure alternative supply when one line is affected.”
The project forms part of Kenya Power’s broader grid reinforcement program aimed at reducing outages, expanding power access, and supporting institutional and industrial growth in semi-urban areas.
Upcoming Substation to Support Growing Power Demand in Kitui
In addition to the interconnector, Kenya Power has announced plans to construct a new substation at Mbitini in Kitui County. The facility will relieve pressure from overstretched power lines and enhance supply to the rapidly growing demand centers of Zombe, Ikanga, Voo, and Ikutha.
Once complete, the substation will not only stabilize voltage in the southern parts of Kitui but also reduce technical losses and improve power quality for domestic and industrial consumers.
Kitui Substation Upgrade Doubles Capacity to Meet Industrial Growth
Over the last two years, Kenya Power has upgraded the Kitui Substation, doubling its capacity from 5MVA to 10MVA and constructing a dedicated 33kV power line to the facility.
The move has significantly reduced outages and improved reliability for consumers in Kitui Town and its environs.
“The demand for electricity has been soaring recently, mainly from upcoming light industries and new customers connected to the grid,” explained Mr. Wanyolke.
“To meet this demand, we increased the Kitui Substation’s capacity and installed a dedicated supply line with no other connections. Before these upgrades, the system was overstretched, leading to frequent power interruptions.”
These network reinforcements are part of Kenya Power’s nationwide infrastructure upgrade strategy to strengthen distribution systems, ensure consistent power supply, and support industrial and residential growth.
Expanding Electricity Access: 7,500 More Households to Be Connected
Kenya Power is also scaling up its Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP), which seeks to expand electricity access to underserved rural communities. Under Phase IV of the program, the company targets to connect an additional 7,500 households in Kitui County.
Currently, over 94,000 households in the county are connected to the national grid, reflecting steady progress in rural electrification and alignment with Kenya’s Universal Access to Electricity goal.
Improving Infrastructure Resilience Through Pole Replacement
To enhance infrastructure durability and reduce service interruptions, Kenya Power has replaced approximately 1,200 wooden poles affected by termite damage with concrete poles.
The pole replacement exercise cost nearly KSh 140 million in the last financial year and is part of a nationwide effort to make Kenya’s electricity network more climate- and pest-resilient, particularly in rural regions.
The recent investments reaffirm Kenya Power’s commitment to enhancing power quality and reliability across Eastern Kenya, where demand is being driven by rapid expansion in education, small industries, and agriculture.
The new infrastructure projects are expected to improve voltage stability, reduce technical losses, and ensure consistent power supply to homes, institutions, and enterprises — ultimately stimulating economic growth and job creation in the region.
