The World Bank has committed US$ 150 million for solar power in Kenya. The funding is an initiative of the World bank Solar funding program aimed at improving energy access in Kenya through solar power.
President Uhuru Kenya made the announcement at the 6th Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo, held in Nairobi last week, stating that the initiative will boost Kenya’s quest to achieve affordable,clean and renewable energy.
Through the initiative, the government is targeting 250,000 households in 14 counties to improve energy access.
“To achieve our electrification programs through off-grid solar, we must recognize the importance of government partnering with the private sector,” he said.
The program is part of the of a wider target to increase solar based connection in the country to 1.9 million. To achieve this, the government of Kenya has exempted a range of solar products from import duty to ensure profitability for investors as well as affordability of hih quality products for consumers.
International Finance Corporation Regional Director for Eastern Africa Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu said asked investors to tap into off-grid solar to boost the country’s agriculture productivity.
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“The transformation that the private sector drove in off-grid lighting and household energy now beckons in agriculture,” he said.
World Bank reckons the growth of off-grid solar industry will bridge the global electricity connection gap by year 2030. Felipe Jaramillo – World Bank Country Director was present at the event
While acknowledging the importance of funding, stakeholders in the Kenya solar sector called for the adoption of more measures to support intake. They asked the government to support homegrown companies that produce components of solar related products.
Nearly 6 million solar products have been sold in the Kenyan market since 2009. Stakeholders are optimistic the demand will prompt the government to harness the potential of solar power.
The 2020 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report by the World Bank shows firms are shifting towards larger, higher-margin solar home system sales in response to growing consumer demand for appliances and back-up systems.
