Kenya expands electricity infrastructure and regional power imports

Kenya is expanding its electricity infrastructure and regional energy integration through new transmission projects and increased cross-border imports.

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) has successfully energised the 86.4-kilometre, 132kV Nanyuki-Rumuruti Transmission Line. This project aims to strengthen the electricity supply and network resilience in Laikipia County and the Mount Kenya region. The new link is expected to reduce technical losses and improve supply reliability by shortening the distribution network serving Rumuruti by approximately 50 per cent.

Simultaneously, Kenya’s reliance on imported power is growing as part of its national energy mix. According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya imported 1,913.66 GWh of electricity during the financial year ending June 2026, representing 12.19 per cent of its energy mix. Ethiopia remains the primary supplier, accounting for 82.45 per cent of all imports. Kenya Power has indicated it will increase its contracted supply from Ethiopia to 400 MW starting in December 2026.