Kenya Power has moved to ensure the country has more solar plants to help lower the cost of electricity in the country and utilise abundant green energy.
In a statement dated Tuesday, August 29, Kenya Power announced that the World Bank, one of the world's largest financial institutions, will fund the projects.
"The Government of the Republic of Kenya has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project for Underserved Counties, and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the Contract for the Design, Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of Solar Photovoltaic Generation Plants with Associated Power Distribution Network (Mini-Grids)" read part of the statement.
However, Kenya Power did not divulge further details of the agreement, including the amount of money and the period of the funding.
These Mini-grids will be set up at Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Narok, Kilifi, and Kwale counties.
Kenya Power, therefore, called upon competent individuals to design, supply, install, and commission Solar Photovoltaic Generation Plants countrywide.
All interested bidders are required to have seven years of operation and maintenance services in the solar sector.
The power company explained that all bidding will be conducted through the International Competitive Procurement using a request for bids (RFB) as specified in the World Bank's 'Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrower'.
All relevant information on the bids can be obtained from the official website kplc.co.ke.
The plan to switch to Solar energy comes days after the country experienced a nationwide power outage for over 14 hours. Parliament summoned Davis Chirchir, Energy CS, and Kenya Power boss Joseph Siror to explain the delays.
Kenya targets installing 600 Megawatt (MW) solar power generation capacity by 2023. Currently, Kenya has several power plants, including the Garissa Solar Project, Malindi Solar Plant, and Rumuruti Solar Project, among others.
According to the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), Garissa Solar Plant is the largest grid-connected solar power plant in East & Central Africa.
This plant contributes at least 2 per cent of the country's energy, helping to lower the cost of electricity.
Besides, solar power, Kenya has invested heavily in wind power to guarantee renewable energy in the country. The Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) is one of Africa's largest wind power plants.
