KETRACO: Kenya’s Power Transmission Backbone

When working with KETRACO, the state‑run company that builds, owns and operates Kenya’s high‑voltage transmission system. Also known as Kenya Electricity Transmission Company, it works hand‑in‑hand with Kenya Power, the utility that distributes electricity to homes, and collaborates on renewable energy projects that feed clean power into the grid.

The national grid requires constant upgrades to handle growing demand. KETRACO’s key task is adding new transmission lines, upgrading substations and reducing bottlenecks that cause load‑shedding. In practice, this means building 400‑kV corridors that connect solar farms in the north to urban centers, and reinforcing existing corridors to keep power flowing during peak usage. These actions directly influence the reliability of electricity for businesses and households alike.

Why KETRACO matters for Kenya’s energy future

Investment and financing are the next big pieces of the puzzle. KETRACO secures funding through public‑private partnerships, multilateral loans and bond issuances. By tapping the African energy market, the company attracts foreign capital that fuels large‑scale projects like the Loiyangalani–Kericho line. This inflow of money enables faster construction timelines and supports government goals for 100 % renewable electricity by 2030.

Every new line adds capacity, which in turn lowers electricity tariffs and expands access to remote areas. Farmers in Turkana, manufacturers in Mombasa, and students in Nairobi all benefit when KETRACO completes a corridor. The ripple effect reaches beyond the power sector: reliable electricity spurs economic growth, improves health outcomes and creates jobs. As the country pushes for more wind and geothermal farms, KETRACO’s role as the grid’s backbone becomes even more critical.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of news stories, analysis pieces and updates that dive deeper into KETRACO’s projects, challenges and impact on Kenya’s power landscape. Explore the range of topics—from transmission line expansions to financing strategies—to see how the company is shaping the nation’s energy future.