Building an Inclusive Nation through Off Grid Solar Power Mini Grids

His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto listens as Energy Principal Secretary, Alex Wachira (Right) explains how the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) will connect households to electricity in 14 underserved counties. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi (left) looks on.

The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the World Bank, is taking bold steps towards inclusive development with a  Kshs. 9.4 billion project to construct 113 off-grid solar-powered mini-grids in areas classified as marginalised in 14 counties.  This transformative initiative aims to significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of residents in underserved areas by expanding access to clean, reliable electricity.

In addition, six contracts valued at Kshs.  438 million have been awarded for the installation of 343 stand-alone solar systems in critical public institutions— including schools, health facilities, and administrative offices—further extending the reach and impact of the programme.

These contracts were officially signed earlier this year in Nairobi, during a ceremony witnessed by His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto. During the occasion, the President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to leaving no community behind in the quest for universal access to electricity. 
“Providing access to electricity in marginalised areas is a clear demonstration of our commitment to implementing an all-inclusive development agenda,” said President Ruto. 
“The mini-grids will serve an additional 300,000 people, on top of the 900,000 already benefiting from stand-alone solar home systems under the Project. These will augment the ongoing electrification through the Last Mile Connectivity and Rural Electrification to Public Facilities initiative.”  Kshs. 9.4 billion for development of 113 off-grid solar powered mini-grid solutions.

President Ruto noted that universal access to electricity and clean cooking aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Kenya National Electrification Strategy. “By harnessing solar energy, we are providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions that will power underserved communities, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods,” he added.  

In a further boost to rural development, the Government is finalising the procurement of 316 solar water pumps for community boreholes, valued at approximately  Kshs. 1.6 billion. Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi,  highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative: “Our goal is to light the skylines of these counties to reflect the changed livelihoods and economic growth driven by access to electricity. 
“We are grateful to the World Bank for their support in mobilising the largest investment ever dedicated to off grid electrification.” He further said the programme’s scope includes deployment of 250,000 solar home systems and 60,000 clean cooking solutions. 
Following the signing of the contracts, Project sites will be handed over to the contractors, who will begin work on the detailed designs for the mini-grids. These designs will subsequently undergo an approval process by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).

Once approved, major equipment required for the mini-grids will be manufactured and subjected to factory acceptance tests before being shipped to Kenya for installation. The mini-grid plants will be commissioned upon the successful completion of installation and testing.