Solar companies make hay while the sun is shining

Kenya's appetite for cheap and clean energy has pushed solar energy companies to intensify their jamming to illuminate rural and low-income areas.

This follows the performance of Kenya Power in its last mile connectivity project The Infotrak survey however reveals that only 57.2% of households are connected to the network.

The Infotrak survey found that the majority of low-income households with monthly earnings of 10,000 shillings or less are unlikely to be connected to electricity as those who earn more.

To be connected to the network, households must contribute a total of 15,000 shillings and live at least 600 meters

Unlike Kenya Power, solar firms appeal to consumers with a pay-as-you-go model. Use with daily payments as low as Sh49 through mobile money.

FILLING THE GAP

According to Kenya Power, at least 1.3 million households, mostly in the 14 underserved counties, are out of reach of the national network and existing mini-networks.

This gap led foreign-funded solar energy companies, M-Kopa and Azuri, to obtain commercial debt financing to provide electricity to isolated households

Kenya Power launched the off-grid solar access project in Kenya to increase access to energy. services in Garissa, Isiolo, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mandera and Marsabit.

The other counties referred to are Narok, Samburu, Taveta Taita, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir and West Pokot

Kamau said that they were planning to use solar mini-grids and stand-alone systems in areas where network penetration remains limited. The initial phase of the project will be financed by the World Bank to the tune of 16 billion shillings.

Kamau said that private companies acquired through international tenders will be responsible for providing and building the production and design system. , builds and maintains the distribution system.

MOBILE SILVER

Azuri intends to take out commercial debt financing of 2 billion shillings to connect 150,000 additional households to the Solar energy in the next three years. Kenya will receive 400 million shillings while the balance will be used in 11 other countries where it is present.

Azuri Technologies' general manager in East Africa, Snehar Shah, said Kenya had an important market for solar products. and strong penetration of the use of mobile money.