Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) have signed 20 contracts worth KES10 billion with private contractors to develop 113 solar-powered mini-grids and 343 stand-alone solar systems for public facilities in 14 underserved counties.

The World Bank funded project seeks to improve access to modern energy services for residents of Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Narok, West Pokot and Taita Taveta counties.

In an update from the Ministry of Energy, the contracts will be implemented as part of the US$150 million World Bank-financed Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project for Underserved Counties (KOSAP).

KOSAP is an alliance between the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya Power, and REREC.

The ministry noted that the project encompasses 14 contracts worth KES9.4 billion for the development of 113 solar-power mini-grids in 12 counties. KOSAP also features six agreements for the installation of stand-alone solar systems in 343 public schools, health facilities, and administrative offices spread in 13 counties at a cost of KES438 million.

While presiding over the ceremony at Stima Club, Nairobi, President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving universal access to electricity and clean cooking solutions in alignment with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Kenya National Electrification Strategy.

“These contracts demonstrate our commitment to leaving no Kenyan behind in our efforts to attain universal access to electricity. By harnessing solar energy, we are providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution that will power underserved communities, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods,” Dr. Ruto said.

The KOSAP initiative focus:

• Mini-grid Development: Construction of solar-powered mini-grids to provide electricity to communities that are currently off-grid.
• Solar Home Systems: Facilitated the sale of 178,598 stand-alone solar home systems to individual households, therefore providing electricity to an estimated 900,000 people.
• Clean Cooking Solutions: Promotion and distribution of clean cooking stoves, with over 12,486 verified sales, improving indoor air quality and reducing reliance on traditional fuels.
• Stand-alone Solar for public facilities: Installation of solar power in public facilities among health facilities, secondary/technical schools, and administrative offices.
• Solar Water Pumps: Installation of solar-powered water pumps for community boreholes, ensuring access to clean water.

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