World Bank Comes To Kenya’s Electricity Rescue
Kenya Power has taken steps to increase the number of solar facilities in the country to reduce the cost of electricity and maximize the use of abundant renewable energy.
Kenya Power announced in a press release dated Tuesday, August 29, that the World Bank, one of the world’s largest financial institutions, will fund the initiatives.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project for Underserved Counties and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds towards payments under the Contract for the Design, Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of Solar Photovoltaic Generation Plants with Associated Power Distribution Network (Mini-Grids),” read a portion of the statement.
Kenya Power did not disclose additional information regarding the agreement, including the quantity of money and the duration of the funding.
Mini-grids will be installed in the counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Narok, Kilifi, and Kwale.
Kenya Power therefore solicited qualified individuals to design, supply, install, and commission nationwide Solar Photovoltaic Generation Plants.
All prospective bidders must have seven years of experience providing operation and maintenance services in the solar industry.
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According to the World Bank’s ‘Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrower’, all tendering will be conducted via International Competitive Procurement with a request for bids (RFB).
On the official website kplc.co.ke, you will find all pertinent information about the proposals.
The proposal to switch to solar energy comes days after a nationwide blackout that lasted more than 14 hours. Davis Chirchir, the Energy Minister, and Joseph Siror, the CEO of Kenya Power, were summoned to clarify the delays.
Kenya plans to install a solar power generation capacity of 600 megawatts (MW) by 2023. Current power facilities in Kenya include, among others, the Garissa Solar Project, Malindi Solar Plant, and Rumuruti Solar Project.
Garissa Solar facility is the largest grid-connected solar power facility in East and Central Africa, per the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).
This facility contributes at least 2% of the nation’s energy, lowering the price of electricity.
In addition to solar power, Kenya has made substantial investments in wind power to ensure renewable energy in the country. Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) is one of the greatest wind farms in Africa.
World Bank Comes To Kenya’s Electricity Rescue