In support of Kenya’s national development agenda under Vision 2030, the government launched an ambitious rural electrification initiative to expand the electricity network to underserved areas. This effort is led by KPLC and REA, targeting last-mile connectivity in counties like Kisii, Bungoma, Kilifi, Kitui, and Narok.
In 2023, Uni-Cable was selected by a Kenyan EPC contractor to supply Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cables (LV ABC) along with line hardware and pole accessories for over 400 km of rural lines funded under a World Bank-supported program.
Proven quality in hot, humid, and UV-intense environments
Complete system delivery: cable + tension + suspension + protection accessories
Third-party inspection and type-tested to IEC 60228 & 60502
Competitive pricing, local service support, and reliable delivery timelines
| Configuration | Voltage | Structure | Core Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 25 mm² + 1 × 35 mm² | 0.6/1kV | Phase conductors: XLPE insulated, neutral messenger: bare/insulated AAC | For 3-phase service |
| 2 × 16 mm² + 1 × 25 mm² | 0.6/1kV | Twin service drop (2P + N) | For household service drop |
| 4 × 50 mm² + 1 × 70 mm² | 0.6/1kV | Larger feeder circuits | LV primary to transformer pole |
Conductor Options:
All Aluminium Conductor (AAC) or Aluminium Alloy Conductor (AAAC)
Messenger: Bare AAC or fully insulated with HDPE/XLPE
UV-stabilized black XLPE insulation (90°C continuous, 130°C short-circuit)
Standards Complied:
IEC 60228 (conductors)
NFC 33-209 (ABC construction)
IEC 60502-1 (cable construction and testing)
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Suspension Clamp | Used at intermediate poles to suspend ABC bundle, equipped with a UV-resistant elastomer insert |
| Tension (Dead-End) Clamp | For mechanical anchoring of service or main line ABC conductors |
| Insulated Piercing Connector (IPC) | For branch connections without stripping insulation, IP54 rated |
| Neutral Messenger Clamp | Secures neutral messenger wire to pole bracket or wall hook |
| Cable Brackets & Hooks | For pole mounting and building entry points |
| Preformed Guy Grip | For strain relief on poles with stay wires |
| Warning Tapes & Labels | For safety and utility compliance identification |
All accessories were matched to the conductor size and type, and installation guides were provided in English and Swahili.
Cable FAT conducted at Uni-Cable factory per IEC 60502-1:
Tensile strength and elongation
Voltage withstand test (3.5 kV AC, 5 minutes)
Conductor resistance
UV aging & hot set test for insulation
Accessory testing:
Mechanical pull tests on tension clamps (min 95% of conductor UTS)
Corrosion resistance (salt spray 1000h)
Electrical continuity & sealing tests for IPCs
Inspection witnessed by: Kenyan EPC QA team and SGS Kenya office
Cables delivered in 1,000m drums, shrink-wrapped with moisture barriers
Accessories in sorted kits per pole type, boxed with installation instructions
Exported from Mombasa Port with door delivery to Nairobi and Kisumu warehouses
Documentation included:
Commercial invoice
Country of origin certificate
Test reports (IEC, NFC)
Packing list and drum schedule
Materials Acceptance Report (for KPLC)
By Q1 2024, Uni-Cable products had been installed across 7 counties with more than 15,000 households connected under the Last Mile project. Field teams praised the cable’s light weight, high UV resistance, and the tool-free installation of accessories that sped up deployment on wooden and concrete poles.
One-stop solution for ABC systems
20–30% savings vs traditional LV bare conductor + insulator systems
Easy installation reduced labor time
Resulted in repeat orders for 2024–2025 phase of the REA program
