- Two Kenyan companies have stepped up to challenge President William Ruto’s ambitious Last Mile Connectivity project.
- The Last Mile Connectivity Project is a government initiative aimed at expanding electricity access to more Kenyan households.
Two Kenyan companies have stepped up to challenge President William Ruto’s ambitious Last Mile Connectivity project. Collective Energy Africa and Takaungu Regeneration Project Limited are seeking licenses for independent power generation and supply from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
According to a public notice dated Wednesday, March 19, Collective Energy Africa is seeking an Electric Power Undertaking License, which would enable the company to develop and operate an off-grid solar microgrid.
According to the company, it intends to operate the grid in Kupai, Narok County, a remote village with 28 houses that currently lack access to electricity.
“The grant of the license will not have an adverse effect on any Public or Local Authorities, Companies, persons, or bodies of persons within the areas of the undertaking,” notes the company.
Moreover, Collective Energy Africa intends to directly expand electricity access to unserved communities. However, instead of relying on the national grid, the company is leveraging decentralised solar power, which could offer a more sustainable and cheaper alternative for rural electrification.
This innovative initiative includes a prepaid system and advanced controllers, complemented by the integration of eight high-voltage Lithium-Ion Batteries (LFP) with a combined storage capacity of 10 kWh.
“The objective is to significantly enhance living conditions, drive economic development, and promote environmental sustainability within the community,” explains Collective Energy Africa in the notice.
Collective Energy Africa is one of the leading distributors of lithium-ion batteries in East Africa and has expanded its reach to Uganda and South Africa.
On the Other hand, the Takaungu Regeneration Project plans to develop, design, finance, and install a 980kWp solar PV system. They also want to develop a 3,022kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Green Heart Kilifi (GHK) in Kilifi County.
According to the company, the system, which is grid-tied and ground-mounted, is expected to significantly reduce power costs and carbon emissions at GHK, where the power will be used for self-consumption.
“The grant of the license will not have an adverse effect on any Public or Local Authorities, Companies, persons, or bodies of persons within the areas of the undertaking,” reads the notice from the company in part.
EPRA’s licensing process includes a 30-day window for public feedback, where individuals, businesses, and government agencies can raise objections or support the applications.
The Last Mile Connectivity Project is a government initiative aimed at expanding electricity access to more Kenyan households. In its first phase, the project targets approximately 314,200 households, providing electricity to an estimated 1.5 million people.
Further, the project is funded by the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank (AfDB) at a cost of Ksh13.5 billion. The project is part of President Ruto’s broader goal to achieve 70 per cent household connectivity and attain universal electricity access by 2020.