Kenya Power Partners with AfDB on $300 Million Rural Electrification Project

Kenya Power has secured a $300 million facility from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to expand electricity access to 1.2 million unserved households by 2027. The Last Mile Connectivity Project Phase IV will focus on arid and semi-arid counties like Turkana, Garissa, and West Pokot. The project includes solar hybrid mini-grids and smart metering to reduce losses. CEO Rosemary Oduor said connection fees for rural customers will be subsidized to Ksh1,000, down from Ksh15,000. The initiative supports Kenya’s goal of 100% electricity access by 2030. AfDB praised Kenya’s renewable-heavy grid as a model for sustainable energy inclusion. Work begins Q3 2024, with completion expected in 2027.