President Ruto Commissions Sh1.5 Billion Lessos-Kabarnet Transmission Line

President William Ruto has officially commissioned the 132kV Lessos-Kabarnet transmission line, a Sh1.5 billion infrastructure project intended to resolve long-standing power reliability issues in Baringo County. The high-voltage line, implemented by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), spans 65 kilometres and is now integrated into the national grid.

The new infrastructure replaces an overstretched 33kV distribution network that had previously struggled to meet local demand. By providing a more robust backbone for the regional grid, the project aims to deliver stable electricity to thousands of households and businesses throughout Baringo and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties.

During the commissioning ceremony in Kabarnet, the President noted that the investment is central to supporting essential public services. The stable power supply is expected to improve the operational efficiency of regional healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and water supply systems.

Beyond residential and public service use, the transmission line is intended to facilitate industrial growth. The government expects the availability of reliable energy to lower operational costs for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in sectors such as agro-processing, which are seen as primary drivers for local employment.

The Lessos-Kabarnet line also forms part of a broader grid expansion strategy. Future plans include connecting this corridor to the 132kV Kabarnet-Rumuruti line, which will eventually link the North Rift to the Mt Kenya network and allow for better integration of power from geothermal and hydropower sources.