KETRACO pushes Narok-Bomet power line toward completion

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has accelerated construction on the 132kV Narok-Bomet transmission line. This project targets long-standing reliability issues in the South Rift.

Recent site updates from the state corporation show technical teams active in foundation excavation and the assembly of steel lattice towers. Work is progressing simultaneously across multiple sections of the wayleave.

Reliable electricity remains a prerequisite for local economic growth. The existing infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the rising demand from both domestic and commercial consumers in the Narok and Bomet areas.

Once the 132kV line is energized, it will provide a high-voltage backbone to strengthen the regional supply. KETRACO expects the project to drastically lower the frequency of unplanned outages that currently plague local businesses.

Technical staff were seen on-site monitoring the hoisting of tower components. These structures are designed to carry heavy-duty conductors over difficult terrain, ensuring a more resilient connection to the national grid.

Engineers are focusing on the structural integrity of the tower foundations. These concrete bases must support the weight and tension of the high-voltage lines through varying weather conditions typical of the region.

The project aligns with the broader infrastructure goals of President Ruto, who has emphasized the need for a robust energy sector to support industrialization and the bottom-up economic agenda.

Current works involve specialized labor, including linemen who operate at significant heights to secure the cross-arms and insulators. These components are essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of the transmission process.

The South Rift region has seen a spike in energy requirements due to expanding agricultural processing and urban growth. The current 132kV project is a direct response to those shifting demographic and economic pressures.

In addition to improving stability, the line is expected to optimize the distribution of power generated from various sources across the country, making the grid more flexible during peak usage periods.

Residents and stakeholders have long advocated for such upgrades. For many, the completion of this link represents the end of reliance on overstretched distribution lines that are prone to failure during storms.

KETRACO continues to supervise the contractors on-site to ensure compliance with international safety and engineering standards. The timeline for the final energization remains a priority for the Ministry of Energy.