President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding electricity access across Kenya, targeting an additional 460,000 rural connections by 2026. Speaking on Wednesday in Nairobi during a contract signing ceremony under the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), Ruto highlighted the strides made in enhancing electricity connectivity in underserved areas.
Under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, the government has successfully linked 1.2 million customers to the national electricity grid. Additionally, efforts to expand power access have seen 63,000 out of 93,000 identified public facilities connected, including 22,900 public primary schools. The 2023/24 financial year saw the completion of 1,071 public facility projects, with another 1,450 projects currently in progress for the 2024/25 financial year.
Ruto presided over the signing of contracts valued at more than Ksh.10 billion to facilitate improved electricity access. Fourteen contracts will enable the establishment of 113 mini-grids, extending power supply to Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, and Narok counties.
Furthermore, six contracts will ensure that 343 public health facilities, schools, and administrative offices gain electricity access through stand-alone solar systems at a cost of Ksh.438 million. Additionally, the procurement process for 316 solar-powered water pumps for boreholes, worth Ksh.1.6 billion, is in its final stages. The initiative aims to ensure that electricity not only powers homes but also supports essential services such as healthcare and water supply.
The President also emphasized Kenya’s commitment to achieving a 100 per cent clean energy grid by 2030. Part of this strategy includes hybridizing diesel-powered stations with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. In Wajir County, an additional 8MW of solar power is set for installation to complement the transition towards sustainable energy sources.
In a significant move toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the government plans to decommission the diesel-powered plant in Lodwar, operated by Kenya Power, and extend the national grid to the region. This ambitious project includes constructing 100km of 66kV power lines and establishing a substation at a cost of Ksh.900 million.
With these initiatives, Kenya is positioning itself as a regional leader in clean energy adoption, ensuring that electricity reaches remote areas while transitioning to sustainable energy solutions. As the country works toward full electrification, rural communities stand to benefit significantly from these transformative projects
