Asal counties to benefit from Sh11 billion electricity projects

Residents of Arid and Semi Arid (Asal) counties are set to benefit from Sh11.6 billion electricity projects funded by World Bank.

This is after the government signed 14 contracts in an event presided over by President William Ruto on Wednesday in Naironi.

The Head of State said the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) has been signed as an affirmative action programme to take care of residents of the 14 counties in northern Kenya.

The counties that will benefit from the project include Turkana, Marsabit, Samuru, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, and Narok.

.

Keep Reading business

•  BAT to pay Sh50 dividend despite 19pc profit dip
•  Appetite for Kenya's 'green gold' spawns new crop of millionaires Premium
•  Policy Statement promises nothing unusual in CS Mbadi's first Budget Premium
•  UNGA President Yang backs Equity's plan to boost youth innovation
•  Why you may not escape paying toll fees on major roads and highways Premium

Speaking during the event in Nairobi, Ruto said, the KOSAP projects that will run from March to  September, 2025, would establish 113 mini-grids of green electricity in the counties.

"These marks a significant step and expansion of Kenya's growing energy revolution. Additionally, six contracts will be signed to ensure that 343 public health facilities, schools, and administrative offices are connected to electricity through stand-alone solar systems," he said.

The President noted that the construction of the social amenities will cost Sh438 million while 316 solar water pumps and four boilers whose plans are in "final stages" will cost Sh1.6 billion.

He said the programmes, align with the government's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (Beta) to ensure every citizen has access to opportunities and live in dignity.

"The signing of the contracts is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to inclusive development. It sends a clear message that no Kenyan, regardless of location or background, will be left behind in our nation's march to progress," he said.

"Our mission is to extend modern, reliable, and affordable electricity to every home,  school, and business, from the most remote villages to the busiest urban centres,” he added..

While acknowledging that most rural areas have remained in darkness for a long period, Ruto said the national grid and solar power initiative offers the "most practical, cost-effective, and immediate solution" to their problems.

 He said the projects have placed Kenya among the leading nations in provision of electricity within sub-Saharan Africa, with an increase of supply from 29 per cent in 2013 to 75 per cent currently.

"This work continues, with 1,071 public facilities projected to be completed in 2023-2024 financial year, and another 1,450 currently underway in the financial year 2024-2023," he said.