Kenya To Commission 120 Solar Mini-Grids Under $150 Million KOSAP Project

Kenya’s Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) is preparing to commission 120 newly constructed solar mini-grids in remote communities by the end of September 2026. The rollout is being implemented under the $150 million Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), supported by the World Bank, and is aimed at improving access to clean electricity and water in 14 historically underserved frontier counties.

The progress of the project was presented to the Senate Energy Committee, chaired by Senator William Kisang. REREC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rose Mkalama said the project remains on schedule and confirmed that she had personally inspected 31 construction sites to monitor progress and ensure that the facilities are completed within the planned timeline.

KOSAP follows a multi-tier approach that combines solar mini-grids, standalone solar home systems, clean cooking solutions, and solar-powered water pumping infrastructure. The new mini-grids are designed to serve between 75 and 1,835 active users at each location, helping extend electricity access to communities that remain beyond the reach of conventional power networks.

The project also includes solarization of boreholes to improve access to clean and reliable water. According to REREC, the installations are expected to connect 5,390 households to clean water supplies, with each water point serving an average of about 21 households.

Construction is taking place across several arid and semi-arid counties. Turkana has the highest number of active mini-grid sites, with 15 projects under development. Other major locations include Marsabit, Isiolo, and Samburu. For water infrastructure, Isiolo and Tana River have 57 solar-powered boreholes under construction. Additional water projects are being implemented in Narok, Taita Taveta, Lamu, West Pokot, Kwale, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera.

REREC is also seeking to increase the social and economic benefits of the projects through community participation. It has allocated Sh1 million in Corporate Social Responsibility funding for each project site. Host community assemblies will decide how the funds are used for locally identified development priorities.

The project is expected to strengthen Kenya’s rural energy infrastructure while improving water security, supporting livelihoods, and promoting economic development in remote communities.