Kenya Strengthens Power Reliability With New Kimuka Substation Commissioning

Representational image. Credit: Canva

Kenya has taken an important step to improve the stability of its national electricity network with the commissioning of the new 220/66 kV Kimuka substation. The facility, located in the southern region near Nairobi, is expected to ease the pressure on the existing grid and reduce frequent power cuts that have affected homes and businesses for many years. The project was led by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company, commonly known as KETRACO, which is responsible for managing the country’s high-voltage transmission lines.

The Kimuka substation plays a key role in strengthening the energy system by acting as an additional pathway for power to reach Nairobi and its surrounding areas. In the past, a single line carried much of the load, and any fault along that route caused major blackouts. With the new installation, electricity can be rerouted through an alternative line if the main supply is disrupted. This means the grid is now more secure, and large-scale outages can be avoided.

One of the major benefits of the new facility is the relief it brings to the older Nairobi North substation. For many years, the northern station had to supply power to the southern suburbs, causing heavy load stress, system instability, and voltage drops. Now that Kimuka is operational, the load will be shared more evenly, which should help maintain a steady voltage level. This is especially important for industries and for the increasing number of households that rely on sensitive electronic equipment.

The commissioning of the substation is part of Kenya’s wider plan to modernize its energy infrastructure and support economic growth. A reliable power supply is essential for attracting investment, supporting manufacturing, and improving the quality of life for residents. The project was funded by both the government and international development partners, showing the shared commitment to improving energy access in East Africa.

Communities in Karen, Ngong, Matasia, and parts of Kajiado are among the areas expected to see fewer power interruptions. The substation is also fitted with advanced monitoring technology that will help engineers spot and fix faults much faster than before.

Overall, the launch of the Kimuka substation marks a significant milestone for Kenya. It strengthens the southern part of the grid and ensures more dependable electricity for the heart of the country’s economic activity, supporting long-term growth and stability.

Like this:

Like Loading…