By Robert Ojwang’ (KNA)
The Government has expanded its rural electrification initiatives under the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), which seeks to provide clean energy and modern cooking solutions in remote and underserved communities in North Eastern and at the Coast.
Launched in 2019 with funding from the World Bank, KOSAP targets 14 counties namely West Pokot, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Mandera, Wajir, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Narok, Taita-Taveta, Turkana, Garissa and Kwale.
The project seeks to deliver reliable renewable energy to some 430,000 households at an estimated cost of Sh16 billion.
The targeted counties account for 72 per cent of Kenya’s total landmass and approximately 20 per cent of the population, but they remain among the least electrified due to their diverse and challenging terrain, which impedes the expansion of the traditional grid connection in the region.
The Ministry of Energy in partnership with Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) implements KOSAP.
The expanded initiatives will see the installation of solar home systems, with an estimated 1.5 million households projected to be served by the mini-grids.
Further, KOSAP offers financial support for establishing around 120 micro and mini-grid sites, targeting approximately 28,000 customers in the initial phase to ensure affordable electricity access for remote communities.
Vincent Ogaya, a research and policy lead at the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC), said limited electricity access restricts economic and social opportunities and affects provision of basic needs such as food, education and health.
“Off-grid energy solutions, like solar home systems and mini-grids are crucial for supporting locals in underserved regions where traditional grid connections are not feasible,” noted Ogaya.
The Kenya National Electrification Strategy, 2018, aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2026, reflecting the Government’s commitment to extending the national grid to underserved areas while promoting off-grid renewable solutions.
According to the Climate Action Network’s, Renewable Energy Tracker Report 2024, Kenya is on track to deploy 100 per cent renewable energy systems by 2040 supported by its rich resources in solar, hydro, wind, biomass and geothermal energy.
“Kenya’s relatively better performance is mainly due to its share of renewables in the power sector, putting it on track to reach 100 per cent renewables by 2040 (the Government aims to do so by 2030) and placing it among the top 20 countries in terms of deployment relative to economy size,” reads the report in part.