Kenya to benefit from US green energy for Africa funds

Kenya is among the countries listed to benefit from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to fund renewable energy projects.

The funding amounting to US $88.9M will be released through the Power Africa initiative for East and Central Africa and aims to provide 10 million on-grid and off-grid connections for an estimated 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa.

READ:Mé drinking water plant in Ivory Coast commissioned

Expand electricity access

The funding is expected to boost Kenya’s efforts to expand electricity access to homes and businesses, particularly in remote regions, by harnessing its abundant solar potential. The Power Africa program aims to support 10 million on-grid and off-grid connections in the region, providing access to new or improved electricity generated from cleaner fuel sources for 50 million people.

Kenya has already made significant progress in its energy sector, with approximately 87% of its electricity coming from clean sources. Geothermal power accounts for half of the power generated, followed by wind, hydro, and solar. As of December last year, around 9.01 million customers were connected to the national grid, and the government is committed to achieving 100% access to electricity in the coming years.

The US $88.9 million deal between USAID and Kenya marks a major milestone at the Africa Energy Forum, which aims to enhance access to electricity in Africa by tapping into renewable energy sources. Additionally, USAID will collaborate with the Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology to identify and develop solar projects specifically for small and medium enterprises in Kenya.