A New Era of Clean Energy as the Kitui Wote Line Goes Live, Powering Growth and Inclusion

Kenya, 26 January 2026 - In a landmark step for Kenya’s energy transition, the 132 kV Kitui‑Wote Transmission Line has been energised, marking a major expansion of the country’s clean energy grid and strengthening power delivery across Eastern Kenya.

The energisation of this 65‑kilometre section crowns the Mwingi‑Kitui‑Wote‑Sultan Hamud corridor, implemented under the Kenya Power Transmission System Improvement Project (KPTSIP).

With the Kitui‑Wote link now complete, the corridor becomes fully operational, providing bi-directional electricity flow that improves system reliability and resilience.

This development was unveiled on International Day of Clean Energy, 26 January, a global milestone that underscores the shift away from fossil fuels and toward reliable, low-carbon power as part of efforts to meet SDG 7 (affordable, clean energy) and SDG 13 (climate action).

Kenya already generates more than 90 percent of its electricity from clean sources, including geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar, positioning it among Africa’s leaders in renewable energy deployment.

However, generation alone is not enough. Clean energy must be transmitted to demand centres, homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and farms, to transform economic and social outcomes. This is where transmission infrastructure becomes vital.

The Kitui‑Wote transmission line interconnects segments of Kenya’s electricity grid that were previously isolated, creating a more integrated and reliable power network.

This linkage allows electricity to flow seamlessly from multiple generation sources to areas that previously faced supply constraints.

The line channels power from major hubs, including the Garissa Solar Plant and hydropower facilities in Mwingi and Kindaruma, providing clean, renewable energy to the region.

It also integrates geothermal energy from Olkaria, one of Kenya’s largest and most stable baseload power sources.

In addition, the line facilitates the distribution of electricity from mixed hydropower and geothermal sources accessible via Sultan Hamud, enhancing grid stability and ensuring that power can reach households, businesses, and industrial users more efficiently.

For counties like Kitui and Makueni, where agriculture and small enterprises are economic mainstays, reliable power is transformative.

Agriculture and value addition: Stable electricity enables farmers to power irrigation, cold storage and processing facilities, cutting post‑harvest losses and boosting incomes. Honey producers, for example, can scale processing, packaging and branding.

Dairy and food processing: Reliable cooling and milk‑chilling infrastructure help producers increase output quality and access higher‑value markets.