Share the page
AFD, EU and Kenya commission Green Mini-grid Program, expanding access to clean energy to 100,000 Kenyans
The European Union, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Government of Kenya have officially commissioned the Phase 2 of the Green Mini-grid (GMG) Program in Turkana County, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's journey toward universal energy access. The program is delivering reliable, renewable electricity to communities long excluded from the national grid.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including the EU Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Henriette Geiger, the French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, AFD Kenya Country Director, Ms Anne-Gaël Chapuis, the Governor of Turkana County, H.E Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai Napotikan and representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
H.E Henriette Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya: "This program is a powerful example of what can be achieved when national and county governments, development partners and private developers work towards a common goal. As a key partner for Kenya, the European Union will continue to invest, through Global Gateway and Team Europe, in smart, clean and secure energy systems that benefit all Kenyans”.
H.E. Arnaud Suquet, French Ambassador to Kenya: “The commissioning of the Green Mini-grid (GMG) Program in Turkana reflects France and the EU’s deep commitment to foster economic development and improve the well-being of communities in Kenya – bringing clean, reliable, and affordable electricity where it is needed most. As Kenya’s first bilateral partner in energy provision, France will keep supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030, which aims to ensure universal access to electricity for every Kenyan. Together, the future is bright.”
“The successful completion of this project highlights the transformative role of renewable energy in improving livelihoods, strengthening local economies, and building a more sustainable future,” said Ms Anne-Gaël Chapuis, AFD Kenya Country Director.
Since its launch in 2016, the GMG program has catalyzed private investment in renewable energy-based mini-grids across Kenya, expanding access to sustainable electricity in underserved areas.
To date, it has established 80 mini-grids in the counties of Turkana, Siaya, Homabay, Nyamira, Kisii, Busia, Kaijado and Kericho, delivering 2 megawatts of new clean energy capacity, 20,000 new connections, and electricity access to 100,000 Kenyans.
Funded through a EUR 15 million grant from the EU and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and implemented by AFD. The recipients for these funds were four energy developers: KUDURA Power East Africa, Renewvia Energy, PowerGen, and Powerhive.
The program was delivered in two phases:
- GMG-1, funded by FCDO to the value of EUR 10,395,552, completed in 2021.
- GMG-2, funded by the EU to the value of EUR 5,650,000.
In Turkana County, 27 mini-grids developed by KUDURA Power East Africa and Renewvia Energy have established about 7,000 connections which will improve the livelihoods of approximately 35,000 people.
The impact of the program on communities has been wide-ranging and transformative. Access to electricity has spurred economic activity, with growth in small businesses including bakeries, milling operations, and metalwork workshops. Women-owned and women-run enterprises have also increased. Improved street lighting has enhanced community security and healthcare facilities now benefit from refrigerated medication storage and extended operating hours. School enrollment has risen and academic performance has notably improved.
The GMG Program directly supports Kenya's goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030 and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 7: ensuring affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.