Kenya Power Lines – What’s Happening Right Now?
If you live in Kenya, you’ve probably felt the frustration of flickering lights or sudden blackouts. The cause is usually the same: the network of power lines that moves electricity from power stations to homes and businesses. In the past year the government, utility companies and private investors have rolled out a series of projects to boost capacity, cut losses and make the grid more reliable. Below you’ll find the most important changes, why they matter, and what you can do to stay ahead of outages.
Big Projects Changing the Landscape
One of the biggest moves is the new 400‑kilovolt (kV) transmission line from Turkwel to Nairobi. This line adds 1,200 megawatts of capacity and helps move more power from the high‑altitude hydro plants in the Rift Valley to the capital’s growing demand. The project is expected to be fully operational by early 2026, and early reports say it already reduced overloads on older 220 kV lines.
Another key development is the expansion of the Loita‑Kajiado corridor, which will connect wind farms in Turkana and solar parks in Kitui with the national grid. By linking renewable sources directly to the transmission network, Kenya hopes to cut reliance on diesel generators that are expensive and polluting. The corridor also includes smart‑grid technology that can reroute power instantly if a line fails.
Why Outages Still Occur – And How to Prepare
Even with new lines, outages are still common, especially during the rainy season when trees fall on overhead cables. The most recent national grid collapse in February 2025, for example, was triggered by a faulty transformer in the western region, causing a cascade that knocked out power for millions. The incident highlighted two things: first, the need for regular maintenance; second, the value of having backup power at home or work.
Here are three quick steps you can take:
- Keep a small generator or battery backup charged – it can keep lights on for a few hours.
- Trim trees and clear vegetation around your home’s service lines to reduce the chance of branches causing a short.
- Sign up for SMS alerts from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) so you get real‑time outage updates.
Staying informed is the easiest way to avoid being caught off‑guard. Most alerts also include expected restoration times, so you can plan work or meals accordingly.
Looking ahead, the government’s “Power for All” agenda aims to reach 100 percent electrification by 2030. To hit that goal, more than 5,000 km of new distribution lines will be laid, especially in rural counties like Turkana and Garissa. The plan also includes installing more underground cables in urban areas to cut down on visual clutter and reduce the risk of damage from traffic accidents.
All these efforts mean the Kenyan power grid is on a fast upgrade track. While short‑term hiccups will still happen, the long‑term outlook is brighter – more reliable power, lower costs, and a cleaner energy mix. Keep an eye on this page for regular updates on new line constructions, outage reports and tips to keep your home running smoothly.
Adani Group's Kenya Power Line Projects Still Under Negotiation Amid Key Hurdles
Negotiations between the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. for building three power lines are ongoing, debunking claims of an awarded deal. Ketraco is keen to secure the best terms as Adani seeks a high return. The projects also face scrutiny amid Kenya's financing hurdles and public concerns over transparency.
