William Samoei Ruto has commissioned the fully operational 400/220kV Mariakani Substation in Kilifi County, a major electricity transmission project developed by Kenya Electricity Transmission Company.
The KES 4 billion project was financed through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank and executed by China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd under the supervision of KETRACO engineers.
The Mariakani Substation is considered one of the most strategic transmission facilities in Kenya’s Coast region, serving as a key link between the Coast and Nairobi through the national grid network.
According to officials, the project is expected to strengthen electricity transmission capacity, improve grid reliability, and support Kenya’s Vision 2030 target of achieving 100 percent renewable energy.
For many years, the Coast region depended heavily on costly thermal power generation due to limited renewable energy production within the area.
However, since the Mariakani Substation and its associated transmission infrastructure were energised in December 2025, thermal power generation in the Coast region has reportedly dropped from 100MW to 35MW, representing a 65 percent reduction in dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity.
Initially constructed as a 220kV facility, the substation has now been upgraded to 400kV, significantly improving transmission efficiency, voltage stability, and power quality across the region.
The enhanced infrastructure will also enable the Coast region to receive more electricity from Olkaria and the Suswa Substation, which serves as a major national and regional power switching centre.
Authorities say the increased transmission capacity is expected to support industrial growth, attract investment, and strengthen Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding clean and sustainable energy infrastructure to drive economic growth and improve electricity access nationwide.
The Mariakani project forms part of the Nairobi–Mombasa Transmission Line, which is designed to transmit more than 1,000MW of electricity between the two regions while easing pressure on the Coast’s electricity network.
Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias stated that the project has significantly reduced reliance on expensive diesel-powered electricity generation while improving the reliability and efficiency of power supply for households, businesses, and industries across the Coast region.