Kenya is on track to provide electricity to more of its remote regions with the construction of 136 solar-powered mini-grids. Energy Minister Davis Chirchir made the announcement on Monday, stating that the project will be funded by a $150 million World Bank initiative.
Off-grid solar power has been growing in popularity in Africa in recent years, particularly for those cut off from major power systems. The World Bank reports that there are currently over 3,000 solar mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa, with another 9,000 planned, including those in Kenya.
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The new mini-grids will provide electricity to areas that are not adequately supplied by the national electrical grid. While Kenya generates a significant portion of its electricity from renewable sources such as hydropower and geothermal, hundreds of diesel-powered producing units are still in use due to years of drought. The government has received funding from development partners to transition these units to more affordable and sustainable sources.
The solar mini-grids, powered by solar panels, batteries, and backup generators, will provide independent electricity to these areas. According to the World Bank, solar has the potential to connect 380 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to energy by 2030. With this new initiative, Kenya is taking a step towards increasing access to electricity for all of its citizens, regardless of their location.
