NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has presided over the signing of contracts worth more than Sh10 billion to boost electricity access in 12 underserved counties, marking a significant step towards bridging Kenya’s energy gap.
The initiative, announced on Wednesday at Stima Members Club, will see the establishment of 113 mini-grids in remote areas, bringing power to communities in Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, and Narok.
Ruto emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring every Kenyan, regardless of location, benefits from modern energy solutions.
“Today, we take a bold step in ensuring that no community is left behind in development. These projects will provide reliable and affordable electricity to thousands of households, businesses, schools, and health facilities,” he said.
Beyond mini-grids, the government signed six additional contracts to connect 343 public institutions—including health centers, schools, and administrative offices—to electricity using stand-alone solar systems.
The solar-powered infrastructure, worth Sh438 million, aims to guarantee uninterrupted essential services in off-grid regions.
Further, Ruto revealed that the government is finalizing procurement for 316 solar water pumps, valued at Sh1.6 billion, to support boreholes in arid and semi-arid areas, ensuring power access extends beyond lighting to essential services like clean water supply.
Powering Growth and Opportunity
The electrification drive is a cornerstone of Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and aligns with Vision 2030, which targets universal energy access and a fully renewable power grid by the decade’s end.
With power in schools, students will benefit from improved learning conditions and extended study hours.
Electrified health facilities will be able to store vaccines and essential medicines safely, while businesses in previously unconnected areas will have new economic opportunities.
“With power in homes and businesses, we will unlock new economic opportunities, support small and micro-enterprises, and create jobs, turning villages into vibrant hubs of commerce and innovation,” Ruto said.
The KSh10 billion Off-Grid Solar Access Project we have launched today deepens access to affordable energy, particularly in remote and rural parts of Northern Kenya, powering the growth of enterprises and expansion of economic opportunities for all. The project furthers our goal…
Kenya’s electricity access has grown from 29% in 2013 to 75% today, making it one of the most electrified countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
However, Ruto acknowledged that rural areas remain largely underserved, with progress concentrated in urban centers and along major highways.
Under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, 1.2 million customers have already been connected to the grid, with another 460,000 expected to benefit by 2026.
Additionally, through the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), 63,000 public facilities have been connected so far, with ongoing projects set to increase coverage.
The contracts signed on Wednesday, involving private contractors, Kenya Power, and REREC, are part of the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), a government initiative to expand clean energy to underserved regions.
With Kenya aiming for 100% clean energy by 2030, the new electrification push signals the administration’s broader commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.
