Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has completed a KSh1.2 billion electricity transmission line connecting Kitui and Wote, strengthening power reliability in parts of the eastern region by providing an alternative supply route during outages and scheduled maintenance.
The 66-kilometre, 132-kilovolt transmission line was officially commissioned by President William Ruto on Monday. The project links two substations that previously depended on separate transmission routes for electricity supply.
According to the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), Kitui received electricity through the Mwingi-Kitui line, while Wote was supplied through the Wote-Sultan Hamud connection.
The newly completed infrastructure forms part of a 152.62-kilometre transmission network linking Mwingi, Kitui, Wote and Sultan Hamud. The project was financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Speaking during the commissioning, President Ruto said the investment would strengthen electricity reliability in Kitui and neighbouring counties, supporting industrial growth, business expansion, employment creation and the delivery of essential services.
KETRACO noted that the expanded transmission network had already demonstrated its value by helping maintain electricity supplies to Garissa during maintenance works at Kindaruma, when power was redirected through an alternative connection.
The Kitui-Wote line is expected to minimise power interruptions during scheduled maintenance and reduce the need for load shedding. It has also increased transmission capacity, creating room to accommodate rising electricity demand and facilitate new connections across Kitui and Makueni counties.
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Improved electricity reliability is also expected to benefit local enterprises and agricultural processing activities, particularly the honey industry in Mwingi, where producers could expand processing, packaging and marketing operations.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said residents and businesses in Kitui were already experiencing improvements in electricity supply, enabling enterprises to operate for longer hours.
He added that reliable power was supporting Jua Kali artisans, mechanics and traders while creating opportunities to increase the value of agricultural products.
Wandayi noted that better electricity access could help honey producers in Mwingi and other parts of Kitui process, brand and market their products on a larger scale.
However, KETRACO has not disclosed the project’s projected economic returns or estimated the number of businesses expected to benefit from the new transmission line.
