Renewable energy projects
The Corporation, through the Alternative Energy Department has successfully undertaken the following renewable energy projects:
2.1 Garissa Solar Plant 54.6 Mw (-0.33434, 39.60610)
The Garissa Solar Plant which is the largest grid connected solar power plant in East & Central Africa is located in Balambala Constituency, Garissa County about 20 kilometres from Garissa Town. The solar farm sits on 85 hectares (210 acres) and consists of 206,272# 265Wp solar panels and 1,172# 42kW inverters
2.1.1 Construction costs, funding and commissioning
Construction was undertaken by China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co. Ltd EPC contractor under supervision of the Corporation, at a budgeted cost of KSh13.7 billion ($135.7 million), and was funded by the Exim Bank of China.
The solar power plant was completed and connected to the Grid on 17th November 2018 and was officially launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 13th December, 2019.
2.1.2 Scope of works
The project scope of work included: Construction of a 132KV bay at 132/33/11KV Ketraco Substation; Installation of a 50 KW (Installed capacity is 54.65MW) solar generation plant complete, with Solar panels (206,232no panels of 265Wp), step up transformers and 33no x 0.415/33kV transformers; Construction of 5.7 km of 132KV transmission line with 16No. pylons (Towers) from the Solar Plant to Ketraco Substation; Construction of a 33# 0.415/33 KV substation at the Solar Plant and a 50 MVA 33/132KV step up transformers; Indoor 33kV switch room and control room for monitoring; CCTV installations for monitoring.
The following support facilities were also developed: Staff housing; Borehole with water treatment plant; Sewage treatment plant; Office block with a training and recreational centre; Road network; Weather station and Perimeter wall enclosing the whole plant
An aerial view of the Solar panels at the plant
2.1.3. Output and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Total generation and export to grid is 632,414.66 MWh as at 22nd March, 2026.
REREC has signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Kenya Power (KPLC) for purchase of power generated at the plant.
2.1.4. Transfer of O&M function to KenGen
Following a presidential taskforce recommendation in 2021, the plant O&M functions were transferd to KenGen from 1st December, 2021 and a transfer agreement signed on 11th February, 2022.
2.1.5Future Prospects
Plans are underway for optimization of the plant by introducing a 50MW wind power project thus generating power day and night. Currently this project is contributing about 2% of the national energy mix and has significantly led to a reduction of energy costs in the country thereby promoting the development of clean, reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity.
2.2 Solar Mini-grids
A mini-grid is a set of small-scale electricity generators interconnected to a distribution network that supplies electricity to a small, localized group of customers. It usually operates independently from the national transmission grid. Solar minigrids technology has been proved as a rough technology in energy access, particularly in rural areas, where they have become a viable option for providing reliable and high-quality electricity to rural populations and businesses.
2.2.1 GoK Funded Solar Mini-grids
2.2.1 GoK Funded Solar Mini-grids
The corporation has implemented Twenty-Seven (27) solar mini-grids across counties of Wajir, Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera and Garissa. The projects consist of solar PV system with battery staorage and a back-up diesel generator to ensure quality and reliable power supply to the customers.
The projects are serving in excess of 3,693 customers including public facilities and provide other socio-economic benefits to communities living in these areas in education, health, entrepreneurship, employment, communication, water pumping and food preservation. This translates to major carbon emission reduction for the country because previously the connected customers used kerosene or biomass fuel as a source of light.
The Corporation is currently implementing a 150kW solar mini-grid with battery storage in Dadajabula town, wajir county and a 100kW solar mini-grid in Kibuogi Island, Homa Bay County. Once commissioned the projects will provide reliable power supply to approximately 350 homesteads, institutions and businesses in the towns and villages.
County Sites and Ratings
| # | County | Site | Constituency | Rating (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marsabit | Ambalo | Moyale | 60 |
| 2 | Marsabit | Illaut | Laisamis | 60 |
| 3 | Marsabit | Balesa | North Horr | 60 |
| 4 | Turkana | Eliye (Ille) Springs | Turkana Central | 60 |
| 5 | Turkana | Lowareng | Turkana North | 60 |
| 6 | Turkana | Letea | Turkana West | 60 |
| 7 | Turkana | Lopeduru | Turkana East | 60 |
| 8 | Turkana | Kangangipur | Turkana South | 60 |
| 9 | Turkana | Napelilim | Loima | 60 |
| 10 | Garissa | Sangailu | Ijara | 60 |
| 11 | Garissa | Liboi | Dadaab | 60 |
| 12 | Garissa | Eldera | Lagdera | 60 |
| 13 | Garissa | Garsweino | Fafi | 60 |
| 14 | Mandera | Kiliwehiri | Banissa | 60 |
| 15 | Mandera | Burduras | Mandera West | 60 |
| 16 | Mandera | Gari | Lafey | 60 |
| 17 | Mandera | Shimbir Fatuma | Mandera South | 60 |
| 18 | Mandera | Ashabito | Mandera North | 60 |
| 19 | Mandera | Arabia | Mandera East | 60 |
| 20 | Wajir | Biamadhow | Wajir North | 60 |
| 21 | Wajir | Gurar | Wajir North | 60 |
| 22 | Wajir | Hadado | Wajir West | 60 |
| 23 | Wajir | Sarif | Wajir South | 60 |
| 24 | Wajir | Basir | Eldas | 60 |
| 25 | Wajir | Riba | Wajir East | 60 |
| 26 | Wajir | Sarman | Tarbaj | 60 |
| 27 | Wajir | Buna | Wajir North | 280 |
| 28 | Wajir | Dadajabula | Wajir South | 150 |
| 29 | Homa Bay | Kibuogi Island | Suba South | 100 |
| TOTAL | 2,150 | |||
Fig 1-Kangangipur Solar Minigrid
2.2.2 Donor Funded Solar Mini-grids – KEMP
The overall objective of the KEMP project is to increase access to electricity in all areas in the country in an effort to achieve universal access to energy. The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) is implementing the solar mini grids subcomponent under the project (KEMP). The subcomponent entails development of seven (7) solar Mini grids in off- grid areas for connection of customers and households in areas that are not likely to be connected to grid electricity in the medium and short term.
The total project financing is US$10M comprising of US$2.5M from the World Bank credit and US$7.5M grant from Strategic Climate Funds (SCF) Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP).
Table 7: Mini grid sites, Cost and estimated Number of Customers
| # | Mini Grid Site Name | County | Installation Cost (USD) | Installation Cost (Kshs) | Customer Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takawiri | Homa Bay | 411,638.00 | 3,757,854.00 | 415 |
| 2 | Ngodhe | Homa Bay | 339,355.00 | 2,753,560.00 | 223 |
| 3 | Mageta | Siaya | 2,183,920.00 | 13,679,667.00 | 1,744 |
| 4 | Wasini/Mkwiro | Kwale | 2,319,852.60 | 10,855,146.00 | 542 |
| 5 | Kerio | Turkana | 530,083.23 | 6,862,101.00 | 227 |
| 6 | Kaeris | Turkana | 530,083.21 | 6,862,100.07 | 186 |
| 7 | Dabel | Marsabit | 530,083.20 | 6,862,101.00 | 613 |
| TOTAL | 6,845,015.24 | 51,632,529.07 | 3,950 | ||
Implementation of the mini grids are in progress. Four (4) of the Mini grids have critical parts completed and Commissioned ie Wasini/ Mkwiro in Kwale Country, Mageta Island in Siaya County, Takawiri Island and Ngodhe Island sites in Homa Bay County.
2.2.3 Donor Funded Solar Mini-grids - KOSAP
The Government of Kenya has received funding from the World Bank for the financing of the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project for underserved counties (K-OSAP). The Project Development Objective is to increase access to modern energy services in underserved counties of Kenya. The project is being implemented in fourteen (14) underserved counties in the north, north eastern, and coastal parts of Kenya. These counties are Garissa, Isiolo, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Narok, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir and West Pokot. The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum (MoEP), Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), and Rural Electrification and the Renewable Energy Corporation – REREC.The Corporation (REREC) is in the process of implementing the Design, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of Solar Photovoltaic Generation Plants with Associated Power Distribution Network (Mini-Grids) in Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu and Isiolo Counties in Kenya with 7 Years Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Services.The projects include;
| No | Region | Lot | No. of Projects | County | Constituency | Site | Minimum PV Capacity (kWp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NORTH RIFT | LOT 1 | 6 | Turkana | Turkana North | Kaikor | 175 |
| 2 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Turkana North | Kanakurdio | 75 | ||
| 3 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Turkana North | Kibish | 120 | ||
| 4 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Turkana North | Kokuro | 120 | ||
| 5 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Turkana West | Oropoi | 100 | ||
| 6 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Turkana North | Nachukui | 120 | ||
| 7 | NORTH RIFT | LOT 2 | 6 | Turkana | Turkana Central | Kalokol | 450 |
| 8 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Turkana South | Lochwaangiamatak | 120 | ||
| 9 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Turkana East | Lomunyenakwan | 120 | ||
| 10 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Loima | Lorengippi | 75 | ||
| 11 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Turkana Central | Namukuse | 120 | ||
| 12 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | Turkana South | Naposimoru | 100 | ||
| 13 | MT. KENYA | LOT 3 | 5 | Marsabit | Moyale | El Bor | 30 |
| 14 | MT. KENYA | Marsabit | Moyale | Dirdima | 175 | ||
| 15 | MT. KENYA | Marsabit | Saku | Kargi | 160 | ||
| 16 | MT. KENYA | Marsabit | Moyale | Bori | 135 | ||
| 17 | MT. KENYA | Marsabit | Moyale | Forolle | 100 | ||
| 18 | MT. KENYA | LOT 4 | 5 | Marsabit | North Horr | El Gadhe | 75 |
| 19 | MT. KENYA | Marsabit | North Horr | Bubisa | 250 | ||
| 20 | MT. KENYA | Marsabit | Laisamis | Gatab | 100 | ||
| 21 | MT. KENYA | Marsabit | North Horr | Gas | 100 | ||
| 22 | MT. KENYA | Marsabit | Laisamis | South Horr | 160 | ||
| 23 | CENTRAL RIFT | LOT 5 | 4 | Samburu | Samburu North | Latakweny | 75 |
| 24 | CENTRAL RIFT | Samburu | Samburu West | Barsaloi | 120 | ||
| 25 | CENTRAL RIFT | Samburu | Samburu North | Tuum | 135 | ||
| 26 | CENTRAL RIFT | Samburu | Samburu East | Sereolipi | 200 | ||
| 27 | UPPER EASTERN | LOT 6 | 5 | Isiolo | Isiolo North | Eras Ha Boru | 160 |
| 28 | UPPER EASTERN | Isiolo | Isiolo South | Garfasa | 160 | ||
| 29 | UPPER EASTERN | Isiolo | Isiolo North | Kipsing | 100 | ||
| 30 | UPPER EASTERN | Isiolo | Isiolo South | Bassa | 135 | ||
| 31 | UPPER EASTERN | Isiolo | Isiolo South | Malkadaka | 100 | ||
| TOTAL MINIMUM PV CAPACITY (kWp) | 4,360 | ||||||
2.3 Solar Water pumping
2.3.1 GoK Funded
The Corporation in Collaboration with Kisumu and Nyeri county governments have implemented a solar water pumping project in 23 boreholes which were initially powered by grid or diesel generators. Some of the boreholes were not operational because they had been disconnected from power supply due to pending bills or the cost of running the diesel generators was too high. The solarization of the boreholes has been transformational to the community in many ways.
Fig 2:Nyeri borehole
2.3.2 Donor Funded Under the KOSAP program, the corporation is solarizing 316 boreholes in fourteen (14) counties. They include;
| Lot | Region | County | Verified Recommended Boreholes | Approx. Solar PV Array Capacity (kWp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UPPER EASTERN | Isiolo | 6 | 187 |
| 1 | MT. KENYA | Marsabit | 9 | — |
| 2 | COAST | Taita Taveta & Lamu | 34 | 234 |
| 3 | COAST | Kilifi & Tana River | 57 | 152 |
| 4 | COAST | Kwale | 28 | 141 |
| 5 | CENTRAL RIFT | Narok | 35 | 429 |
| 6 | CENTRAL RIFT | Samburu | 18 | 148 |
| 7 | NORTH RIFT | West Pokot | 33 | 246 |
| 8 | NORTH RIFT | Turkana | 33 | 360 |
| 9 | N/EASTERN & NAIROBI | Garissa | 20 | 634 |
| 10 | N/EASTERN & NAIROBI | Mandera | 28 | 372 |
| 11 | N/EASTERN & NAIROBI | Wajir | 15 | 281 |
| TOTAL | 283 | 3,184 | ||
2.4 Solar High Masts and Street lighting
In line with Government BETA plan of promoting 24hour economy, REREC initiated a program to light up public places through solar powered street lights and high masts.
Solar street lights and high mast flood lights play a critical role in providing safety and promoting security in urban and in remote areas that don’t have access to a conventional electrical grid. Solar street lights offer great cost savings to the Counties as there are no power bills to be paid and require much less maintenance compared to conventional street lights. They are also social economic transformational because the beneficiary markets enjoy extended business hours.
The Corporation has installed 714 grid connected high masts, 354 solar powerd high mast, 4,436 grid connected street lights and 4,750 solar street lights in various parts of the country in collaboration with the counties.
Fig 3: Solar highmast
Fig 6: Solar streetlights
2.5 Solar for schools
The Corporation was mandated to undertake electrification of all primary schools which didn’t have power supply to facilitate the government Digital Learning Programme. As part of its support to program, the Corporation has provided solar powered electricity to 4,860 primary schools and 76 secondary schools.
The primary schools were installed with 1.8kW solar PV system while the secondary schools are installed with 3kW syatem. The Corporation has since adopted use of lithium-ion batteries which are more robust and a longer life span. Over the period 2,441 schools have been mantained
These projects have been a great support to education in the beneficiary schools because the students are able to contact evening studies more conveniently. This is expected to significantly improve the performance of the beneficiay schools. Teaching primary puipils digital literacy skills is very important because they need to be able to understand the technology that they use so that they can use it safely and effectively. In additions, this prepares them to future careers which will majorly digital.
2.6 Diesel power station and solar hybridization
Off-grid electrification provided by diesel generators was one of the first and most applicable solutions for the electrification of rural villages. The Corporation has installed twenty diesel power station to electrify off-grid areas. However, the cost of operating diesel generator is high. Diesel generators also produce large amount of carbon dioxide which is a major contributor of climate change.
The Corporation has installed 20 diesel power stations in various parts of the country. The corporation has also installed solar pv systems which were hybrided to the existing diesel generators in Takaba, Eldas, Rhamu and Laisamis power stations. This was aimed at increasing power affordability from the respective power stations and contribute to the Countries Nationaly Determine Contributions Carbon Dioxide Emission tragets.
The Corporation continue to do upgrades in these power stations as power demand in the respective markets and communities they are serving grow.
2.7 Mini-grids upgrade
Most of the mini-grids have been in operations for over 5 years and therefore the batteries have reached their end-life and are due for replacement. The towns supported by the mini-grids have also grown very fast due to presence of electricity and in some cases the demand has increased beyond the power plants capacities.
The Corporation has upgraded two mini-grids (Liboi and Ashabito) and replaced batteries in Arabia. The Corporation has also provided funding for the upgrade and battery replacement of 23 solar mini-grids in the 2024/25FY.
Fig 7: Battery replacements at Arabia
Fig 8: Battery replacements at Arabia
