The government has stepped up promotion of solar power generation in Wajir County is set to accelerate efforts to electrify underserved and off-grid areas.
The initiative under the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) is expected to expand access to clean and reliable energy in areas where connection to the national electricity grid was not feasible.
KOSAP, a World Bank-funded project implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in partnership with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), aims to promote sustainable energy solutions, boost local livelihoods, and enhance service delivery in marginalised counties.
Speaking during a media training session on community engagement and media participation held at a hotel in Wajir town, Wajir KOSAP Project Officer Fahma Yussuf said the county will benefit from the installation of 25 mini-grid sites across Eldas, Wajir North, Tarbaj, Wajir West, Wajir South, and Wajir East sub-counties.
She added that the project also includes the installation of standalone solar systems in households and public institutions, including 23 dispensaries, as well as solar-powered water pumping systems for selected community boreholes.
“Land acquisition and compensation issues had delayed implementation in some areas, but most of these challenges have now been resolved,” said Fahma.
“Affected communities have benefited from development projects valued at up to Sh1 million in sectors such as water, health and irrigation,” she said.
The journalists’ engagement focused on public sensitisation, consumer awareness and the role of the media in promoting community participation under the ‘Kawi Safi Mashinani’ programme.
Anthony Mugo, a communication consultant representing the Ministry of Energy, said the project is expected to improve service delivery and economic activity in off-grid areas.
“Access to reliable electricity will support healthcare services, learning institutions and small businesses,” said Mugo.
Launched in 2019, the project targets 14 marginalised counties, including Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, West Pokot, Narok, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River and Taita Taveta.
Nationally, the project targets 250,000 households with standalone solar systems and 60,000 households with clean cooking solutions. It also includes the construction of 114 mini-grids to connect about 50,000 households to electricity.
In addition, 523 public facilities, including schools, health centres and administrative offices, are set to be supplied with solar power, while 316 diesel-powered boreholes will be converted to solar-powered systems.
By Hamdi Buthul
