MACHAKOS, Kenya — Kenya Power has completed a Sh22 million interconnector linking Machakos and Kitui counties, marking a major step toward stabilizing electricity supply and improving reliability in the region.
The project, finalized on October 13, 2025, aims to reduce power interruptions and enhance service delivery in parts of South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Kwavonza, and Katangini.
According to Kenya Power, the new interconnector will provide an alternative supply route for customers in both counties, reducing the frequency and duration of outages caused by line faults or maintenance work.
“This project will enhance service delivery and customer experience by improving the quality of power supply,” said John Wanyoike, Kenya Power’s Kitui County Business Manager. “Previously, SEKU and adjacent customers were served by the Masii line from Katoloni in Machakos, which often experienced outages due to its length and exposure.”
In addition to the interconnector, Kenya Power announced plans to construct a new substation at Mbitini in Kitui County, part of its ongoing infrastructure expansion drive.
The Mbitini Substation is expected to ease pressure on the existing Kitui network, minimize technical power losses, and address frequent outages affecting Zombe, Ikanga, Voo, and Ikutha areas.
Over the last two years, the company has significantly upgraded its infrastructure in Kitui County — including the expansion of the Kitui Substation’s capacity from 5MVA to 10MVA and the construction of a dedicated 33kV line to serve it.
“Electricity demand in Kitui has been rising sharply, mainly driven by new light industries and a growing number of domestic connections,” Wanyoike noted. “By increasing the substation’s capacity and dedicating a direct line, we’ve drastically reduced outages that were common before the improvements.”
Currently, more than 94,000 households in Kitui County are connected to the national grid. Under Phase IV of the Last Mile Connectivity Project, Kenya Power aims to link an additional 7,500 households, expanding access to power in rural and peri-urban areas.
To enhance the resilience of its infrastructure, the utility has also replaced about 1,200 termite-damaged wooden poles with concrete poles, an investment worth Sh140 million in the last financial year.
Kenya Power says these upgrades are part of its broader national strategy to strengthen the electricity distribution network, reduce system losses, and ensure dependable power supply to support economic growth and industrialization at the county level.
“Our focus is to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of location, enjoys reliable and sustainable power,” the company said in a statement. “The Machakos–Kitui interconnector is a reflection of that commitment.”
