According to the nation’s energy minister, Kenya is building 136 solar-powered mini-grids in remote locations that are inadequately supplied by the national electricity grid.
In recent years, off-grid solar power, promoted by start-ups, has grown in popularity in Africa for households disconnected from main energy grids.
The number of installed solar mini-grids has increased from 500 in 2010 to over 3,000, according to the World Bank. 9,000 more are anticipated, including those that will be built in Kenya, according to the bank.
At a workshop on solar energy sponsored by the World Bank, Energy Minister Davis Chirchir stated that “the national electrical system is yet to reach several sections of the country.”
The networks, which are powered by solar panels, rely on backup generators and batteries to deliver electricity apart from the primary national grids.
Even though a substantial portion of Kenya’s electricity comes from renewable resources like geothermal and hydropower, the country now operates dozens of diesel-powered power plants due to prolonged drought.