Paul Arithi 
Government of Kenya (GOK) and World Bank (WB) Rolls out over KES 10Billion for Electricitation Inititiaves in Underserved Counties
Key Highlights
1. A total of 113 mini-grids and standalone solar systems for 343 public facilities to be installed in underserved counties
2. The World Bank has financed the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project to a tune of USD 150 million.
3. The project targets 14 counties that are currently underserved by the national grid.
President William Ruto has witnessed the signing of 20 contracts worth KES 10 billion between private contractors, Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation for the development of 113 solar-powered mini-grids and
343 stand-alone solar systems for public facilities in underserved counties.
The contract will be executed as part of the USD 150 million World Bankfinanced Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project for Underserved Counties (KOSAP).
KOSAP is a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya Power, and REREC.
Its objective is to improve access to modern energy services to residents of Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Narok, West Pokot and Taita Taveta counties.
President Ruto witnessed the signing of 14 contracts worth KES 9.4 billion for the development of 113 solar-power mini-grids in 12 counties and six contracts for the installation of stand- alone solar systems in 343 public schools, health facilities and administrative offices in 13 Counties worth KES 438 million.
These installations will provide access to electricity services to spur socio-economic development and improve the quality of life in the target counties.
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,” His Excellency President Ruto said.
The President highlighted the successful partnership with the World Bank, noting its contribution to increasing the country’s electricity access rate from 29 percent in 2013 to the current 75 percent.
He emphasized the importance of connectivity projects in achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Kenya National Electrification Strategy.
The KOSAP initiative focuses on several key areas:
● 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.
Present during the ceremony were senior Government officials, World Bank representatives, Governors, Senators, Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly from the beneficiary counties, and other key stakeholders.
