This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
Kenya Power has set aside Ksh700 million for the hybridization of off-grid stations, a move aimed at expanding access to electricity and improving the energy mix.
According to Eng. David Mwaniki, General Manager of Infrastructure Development and Network Management at Kenya Power, the project will target 23 small-scale wind turbines and solar-powered mini-grids across the country.
As of 2018, household connections to the national grid stood at 73%, with Kenya Power aiming to reach 95% connectivity by 2020.
The current mini-grids serving off-grid areas rely mainly on diesel-powered generators, which are expensive.
Eng. Mwaniki noted that the commitment to decentralised solar and wind hybrid power stations offers new opportunities for providing safe, secure, and reliable electricity for economic and social development in areas not served by the national grid.
He further stated that providing access to sufficient and reliable electricity will help sustain productive and income-generating activities of local communities, spurring growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty in rural areas.
