Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera among 12 counties to benefit from state’s Sh10bn electricity access deal
Speaking during the contract signing, President Ruto said the initiative was part of Kenya's goal to achieve universal electricity access by 2030.
Isiolo, Marsabit and Mandera are among 12 counties which will benefit from expanded access to electricity after the government signed a Sh10 billion deal to bring power to communities that have long remained in darkness.
The plan, as revealed by President William Ruto on Wednesday, which includes 113 mini-grids and solar-powered connections, aims to improve power access to schools, hospitals, and administrative offices.
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The mini-grids will also be installed in Turkana, Samburu, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale and Narok.
Speaking during the contract signing, President Ruto said the initiative was part of Kenya's goal to achieve universal electricity access by 2030.
"Today is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to inclusive development. 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 said.
In addition to the mini-grids, six contracts worth Sh438 million will connect 343 public health facilities, schools, and administrative offices to electricity through stand-alone solar systems.
Another 316 solar-powered borehole pumps, valued at Sh1.6 billion, are in the final stages of procurement.
The president noted that many rural areas remain without electricity, even as national access has grown from 29 per cent in 2013 to 75 per cent today.
Solar power
He said solar power is the best solution for communities far from the national grid, ensuring that health services, education, and economic opportunities improve.
"With electricity in health facilities, vaccines and essential medicines will be safely stored, ensuring life-saving treatments reach those in need. With electricity in schools, our children will benefit from longer study hours, better learning environments, and greater opportunities to excel," Ruto said.
Under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, 1.2 million customers have already been connected, with another 460,000 set to benefit by 2026.
The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has also connected 63,000 out of 93,000 identified public facilities, with more projects underway.
Beyond expanding access, Ruto said the government is committed to a fully clean energy grid by 2030.
Diesel-powered stations are being replaced with solar PV systems, and plans are in place to install an additional 8 MW of solar power in Wajir County.
The government will also shut down the diesel power plant in Lodwar and extend the national grid, a project that includes building 100 km of 66 kV power lines and a substation for Sh900 million.
"These projects are clear statements of intent. We are reducing our dependence on costly and polluting diesel power, cutting energy costs, and reinforcing our climate commitments while enhancing access," Ruto said.
The President urged contractors to deliver quality work on time and called on local leaders to support the projects to ensure they benefit the people.
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