NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has received privately initiated proposals from three firms to develop major electricity transmission infrastructure, estimated to cost between Sh50 billion and Sh65 billion, under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Act, 2021.
In a public disclosure notice, the State corporation said the proposals were submitted by Pabari Investment Limited, ENCOMM Power Rental Solutions Limited, and AEE Power Ventures S.L. under the framework that allows private investors to propose and finance public infrastructure projects before they undergo government evaluation.
If approved, the projects will involve the construction of high-voltage transmission lines and substations aimed at strengthening Kenya’s national electricity grid and improving power reliability in underserved regions.
Proposed transmission projects
Among the key proposals is the construction of a 220kV Kiambere–Rabai line-in-line-out (LILO) at Mutomo, together with a 70-kilometre 132kV transmission line linking Mutomo and Makindu. KETRACO said the project is intended to enhance electricity reliability while extending the high-voltage transmission network to Mutomo.
The proposals also include a new 400/132kV substation at Voi and a 110-kilometre 132kV transmission line connecting Voi and Taveta. According to the agency, the infrastructure would strengthen electricity supply along the Nairobi-Mombasa transport corridor and extend the high-voltage network to Taveta.
Other planned investments include a 150-kilometre 132kV transmission line between Rumuruti and Maralal and a 50-kilometre transmission line linking Sotik and Kilgoris.
New substations are also proposed in Maralal and Kilgoris to improve power reliability in areas currently supplied through long 33kV distribution lines, which are more vulnerable to outages.
Part of long-term transmission plan
KETRACO said the projects are identified under the Transmission Master Plan 2025–2044, which outlines priority investments required to expand and modernise Kenya’s electricity transmission network.
The corporation cautioned that the estimated project cost of between Sh50 billion and Sh65 billion is preliminary and will be refined during project development.
“The final cost will depend on competitive procurement outcomes, land acquisition requirements, resettlement costs and other project development expenses,” the notice stated.
Before implementation, each proposal will undergo affordability and value-for-money assessments in line with the Public Private Partnerships Act, 2021. Costs will also be reviewed before financial close to ensure compliance with the law.
Evaluation process underway
KETRACO emphasised that publication of the notice does not constitute approval of the proposals.
Instead, the projects will proceed through statutory processes, including technical evaluation, feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations and negotiations before any investment decisions are made.
The corporation has also invited other interested private investors to submit written expressions of interest within 21 days of the publication of the notice.
Only projects that satisfy the legal, technical and financial requirements under the PPP Act will be considered for implementation as Kenya seeks to expand reliable electricity transmission infrastructure and meet growing demand for power across the country.