The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the Swedish government, has launched a major solar power unit at the Malaba one-stop border post, reducing overreliance on electricity.
The Malaba border post has been experiencing up to eight hours of electricity power outages, leading to delays in cargo clearance, increased smuggling of goods, and heightened insecurity for cross-border traders.
With the new solar unit, Malaba, one of Kenya’s busiest cargo crossing points along the Northern Corridor, is set to reduce its electricity costs by 90 percent.
In December 2025, the electricity bill at the border office was about Sh368,000, but the bills reduced drastically to Sh28,000 only in February 2026.
Implemented under the Swedish-funded Kenya Enhanced Trade Environment and Inclusion (KETEI) programme, the project features a hybrid solar system equipped with battery storage.
The system now powers all operations at the facility, generating over 233,000 kilowatt-hours annually and meeting 78 percent of the customs office’s energy needs, which significantly reduces reliance on the national grid and ensures continuity of critical operations.
Speaking during launch of the project at the Malaba border, Sweden’s Ambassador to Kenya, Hakan Akesson, said the installation of solar infrastructure is a clear demonstration of how smart, green investments can strengthen trade systems, reduce emissions, and improve the delivery of essential public services.
“It also reflects Sweden and Kenya’s shared commitment to sustainable economic transformation. Sweden is proud to stand with Kenya in building infrastructure that is modern, resilient, and climate-smart,” he added.
Ambassador Akesson noted that as trade volumes grow and regional integration deepens, projects like solar power ensure that growth is both sustainable and inclusive.
“To us, this is not just a solar installation; it is a symbol of our shared commitment to a greener and more prosperous Kenya and East Africa,” he added.
Speaking at the event, KRA Deputy Commissioner for Risk Management, George Aduwi, said that before the upgrade, frequent power outages disrupted customs systems, cargo scanning, security infrastructure, and lighting.
He noted that to maintain operations, the border relied heavily on a high-capacity diesel generator consuming an estimated 700 litres per month.
“The shift to solar is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes over the next decades. The reduced reliance on diesel has also lowered exposure to fuel price volatility, helping to stabilize operational costs of the OSBP,” Mr. Aduwi said.
Beyond Malaba, a similar project has been extended to the Moyale OSBP, strengthening trade efficiency along the Lamu Port South Sudan – Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.
TradeMark Africa Kenya Country Director Lilian Mwai said the Malaba solarisation project alongside the support in Moyale reflects KETEI’s focus on improving trade efficiency and strengthening green infrastructure.
“By addressing real constraints at the border, these investments are making trade more reliable and cost-effective, while contributing to increased regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” she pointed out.
By Moses Wekesa
