Transformer Maximization

The aim of the transformer maximization project is to enhance electricity access and connectivity in areas with large populations that had not been previously not been reached due to the 600 metres radius transformer limitation.

The project involves installation of extension transformers per constituency in the grid areas where HT lines have previously been implemented. The Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Corporation is working in consultation with the communities to identify priority areas per constituency for implementation of this project.

The transformer maximization project is expected to open up the rural areas through supply of essential power for economic activities, facilitation of business opportunities and enhanced security. It is also expected to fast-track the connection of households that are 600 metres away from the grid.

Matching Fund Facility

Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Corporation to connect electricity in Makueni County through a collaboration framework with the County Government of Makueni

In line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda, where Energy is an infrastructural enabler towards the achievement of high quality of life for all Kenyans by the year 2030, Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has been implementing projects to enhance rural electrification all over the Country.

To this end, Makueni County is set for a huge rural electrification connectivity, following the signing of a collaboration framework between REREC and the County Government of Makueni, in September 2021.

Signing of this collaboration framework is a significant step towards a partnership that will enable REREC fulfill its mandate on implementation of electrification projects in the County. It will also help establish a framework for co-operation between REREC and the County Government of Makueni, with regard to implementation of electrification projects and programmes.

The programme, spearheaded by the county government in partnership with Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation, was unveiled by Governor Kivutha Kibwana and REREC Chief Executive Officer CPA Peter Mbugua.

The shilling – for – shilling collaboration will lift Makueni from a paltry connectivity of a 25% towards the national rate of 70% as roll out is done in successive financial years. The KSh 60M covers the 2021/2022 financial year, with each partner contributing KSh 30M in a matching fund framework. The programme involves primary school electrification, Mini Grids development, electrification of market centers and other public facilities that are not electrified. Possible establishment and development of energy centres in the County was also discussed.

In the 2022/23 Financial Year, the county government of Makueni will commit a total of Ksh 34 million during this financial year 2021/2022, while REREC will contribute a maximum of Kshs 5 million per Sub County/Constituency under the matching fund facility. This amount will be used to implement selected rural electrification projects during the stated financial year, and ensure also that the electrification agenda for Makueni is fully realised. The county will also avail land for REREC to establish an Energy Centre in the County, to promote the use of alternative sources of energy.

The areas that stand to benefit from this collaboration include implementation of electrification projects via the matching fund programme, implementation of other electrification and renewable energy projects and programmes to include but not limited to; primary School Electrification, mini Grids, electrification of market centres and other public facilities that are not electrified, electrification of Athi River belt and inclusion in Phase II of the KOSAP projects.

Others areas of collaboration outlined in the framework include development of energy master plan(s), establishment and development of energy centres, renewable energy technology research, innovation and development, capacity building and technical support, joint resource mobilization to support common projects and programmes as well as any other activity that the Corporation and the County may mutually agree.

The Shilling for a Shilling program (Matching Fund) allows the County Government or the Members of Parliament to commit a certain amount of money from their development kitty, and REREC commits the exact same amount of money towards rural electrification in the specific region identified by the leaders.

Electrification of Primary Schools

This has been implemented through grid extension in schools within grid network and installation of solar PVs in schools in off-grid areas. The programme is not only intended to improve education standards but also to enhance electricity access across the country. Since primary schools are in every corner of the country, the network put in place has served as a backbone for connecting households in the vicinity of these primary schools.

A total of 22,927 primary schools have been electrified across the country and the project has been a key contributor to the universal access target and improvement of education standards.

Hulugho Town Now Has Power for the First Time Since Independence

Residents of the Hulugho sub-county in Garissa County will now enjoy electricity connectivity thanks to efforts made by the government through the Ministry of Energy; who installed a 275KVA power supply and connectivity project.

The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has connected Hulugho town, which lies 17 kilometers from the Kenya–Somalia border, in a historic move which seeks to empower residents economically.

The project was officially commissioned by Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter who was accompanied by REREC CEO, CPA Peter Mbugua. The CS was also accompanied by the Garissa Senator Abdulkadir Haji, Ijara Member of Parliament Sophia Abdi Noor, among other local leaders.

Speaking during the event, the CS noted that the government was intentional in connecting 14 arid and semi-arid areas to electricity and had already set aside 15 billion shillings in order to complete that task.

Garissa County will receive Ksh.1.2 billion towards that venture which will mainly be used for constructing hybrid mini grids which will use solar energy and diesel powered machines to generate electricity

The Energy Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Charles Keter unveiling the plaque during the Commissioning of Hulugho Power Station, in Garissa County.

The Hulugho Power Station will serve over 110 customers including seven public facilities among them, a police station, 5 schools and a health centre. The project is aimed at ensuring that the area enjoys stable and reliable power.

Education performance for the connected schools is expected to improve as the students are able to conduct evening studies more conveniently. The schools will also be able to effectively implement the Government’s digital learning program.

The community will also enjoy improved health care because the connected health facility will now be able to high energy consuming equipment which they were not able to operate before.

The rural electrification programme begun in 2007 and the focus of the Corporation was electrification of rural areas through grid extension and diesel power stations.

Off-grid electrification provided by diesel generators was one of the first and most applicable solutions for the electrification of rural villages. In this regard, the Corporation has installed twenty diesel power stations to electrify off-grid areas; one of them being the Hulugho Diesel Power Station.

Electrification of Public Facilities Project

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) is in the process of implementing the Electrification for Public Facilities Project. The project launched on 14th December 2021, is divided into five beneficiary lot regions and aims to see approximately 600 public facilities electrified and at least 35,460 households get access to electricity.

This Project, is jointly financed by the Government of Kenya and Arab Development Partners namely; Arab Bank for Economic Development (BADEA), OPEC Fund for Development (OFID), Abu Dhabi for Development (ADFD), and Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) at a total cost of US $57 Million.

In Lot 5 areas, a total of 103 projects will be implemented. Here, the Corporation is expected to cover Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi and Tana River Counties in Upper Eastern and Coast Region.

As a result, construction of 500km of medium voltage distribution lines will be set up. This means, households in close proximity to transformers and meet all installation requirements will have access to electricity.

Overall, the scope of the project shall include the construction of 2,850 km of electricity distribution lines and installation of transformers. The project envisages to electrify 1,200 public facilities which include market centers, health centers, educational institutions, tea buying centers, coffee factories and administration Centers.

On completion, the project will ensure the electrification of 35,460 households in 131constituencies located in 36 Counties in Nyanza and Western, North Rift, South Rift, Central and Upper Eastern, Lower Eastern and Coast region. It is estimated that in each of the five project areas over 7,000 households will be connected to electricity.