KENYA: Promoting private sector investment in renewable Green mini-grids to electrify rural communities

Although Kenya exceeds the average rate of access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa, the gap between urban and rural areas remains very wide. 

Due to the population distribution across the country, the development of a national electricity grid covering remote areas is impossible in the short term. 

Therefore, mini-grids play a key role in providing universal access in line with the SDG 7 goals.

Through the GMG facility, 100,000 Kenyans will get access to reliable Green electricity through 20,000 new connections. 

2 megawatts of energy will be added to Kenya’s energy resources. 6 to 8 mini-grid developers will be supported via grants and/or technical assistance.

• The Mini-grids provides stable energy to develop income-generating activities, which enhances people’s lives. It also lowers the dependence on diesel, firewood and charcoal thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The final beneficiaries of this electricity now have access to services that would not have been available without electricity (e.g. water, communication via radio and cell phone, healthcare improvements, children being able to study at night, night businesses, restaurants, bars etc).
• From a gender perspective, women have better access to healthcare facilities, and they are empowered to start new businesses.
• The project will also reduce women’s effort and chores involved in household activities such as indoor smoke pollution from cooking stoves and having to gather firewood daily.