A mini-grid is a set of small-scale electricity generators interconnected to a distribution network that supplies electricity to a small, localized group of customers. It usually operates independently from the national transmission grid. Solar mini-grids technology has been proved as a rough technology in energy access, particularly in rural areas, where they have become a viable option for providing reliable and high-quality electricity to rural populations and businesses.

• GoK Funded Solar Mini-grids

The Corporation has implemented Twenty-Six (26) solar mini-grids across counties of Wajir, Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera and Garissa. The projects consist of 60kW solar PV system with battery storage and a backup diesel generator to ensure quality and reliable power supply to the customers.

The projects are serving in excess of 3,693 customers and provide other socio-economic benefits to communities living in these areas in education, health, entrepreneurship, employment, communication, water pumping and food preservation. Total generation from the project as at June 2021 is 7,345MWh. This translates to major carbon emission reduction for the country, as previously the connected customers used kerosene or biomass fuel as a source of light. This translates to approximately two tons of carbon dioxide emission reduction in addition to other health and socio-economic benefits.

The Corporation is currently implementing a 280kW solar mini-grid with battery storage in Buna town, Wajir County. Once commissioned, the project will provide reliable power supply to approximately 360 homesteads, institutions and businesses in Buna area.

Item	County	Site	Constituency	Rating (kW)	No. of Connection
1	Marsabit	Ambalo	Moyale	60	95
2		Illaut	Laisamis	60	80
3		Balesa	North Horr	60	117
4	Turkana	Eliye (Ille) Springs	Turkana -C.	60	206
5	Lowareng	Turkana -N.	60	274
6	Letea	Turkana – W.	60	135
7	Lopeduru	Turkana East	60	250
8	Kangangipur	Turkana S	60	132
9	Napelilim	Loima	60	78
10	Garissa	Sangailu	Ijara	60	90
11	Liboi	Dadaab	60	300
12	Eldera	Lagdera	60	80
13	Garsweino	Fafi	60	68
14	Mandera	Kiliwehiri	Banissa	60	83
15	Burduras	Mandera West	60	70
16	Gari	Lafey	60	90
17	Shimbir Fatuma	Mandera – S.	60	190
18	Ashabito	Mandera – N.	60	73
19	Arabia	Mandera -E.	60	150
20	Wajir	Biamadhow	Wajir North	60	400
21	Gurar	Wajir North	60	117
22	Hadado	Wajir West	60	173
23	Sarif	Wajir South	60	160
24	Basir	Elda	60	80
25	Riba	Wajir east	60	81
26	Sarman	Tarbaj	60	121
27	Buna	Wajir North	280	Ongoing
	TOTAL		3,693.00

• Donor Funded Solar Mini-grids

The Corporation in Collaboration with University of Southampton implemented two Solar Mini-grids with energy storage in Kitonyoni (23kW), Makueni County and Oloika (13.5), Kajiadao County. The projects have been in operation from 2016 with in excess of 450 customers connected.

The Corporation is currently implanting Kenya Electricity Modernization Project (KEMP) which is a world bank funded project. The scope of the project includes development of seven (7) solar mini-grids with battery energy storage and associated reticulation network. These are being installed in the following eight (8) sites: Mageta Island, Siaya County; Ngodhe and Takawiri Islands in Homa Bay County; Wasini Island – Kwale County; Kaeris and Kerio markets in Turkana County and Dabel in Marsabit County. The total project capacity is 2,044kWp solar PV and 6,153kWh Lithium ion battery storage. Once commissioned the project will connect in excess of 4,088 customers in off-grid areas and coastal and Lake Victoria Region islands.

No	County	Constituency	Site	Plant Capacity
				PV (kWP)	BESS (kWh)
1	Homa -Bay	Mbita	Takawiri	204.7	616
2	Homa -Bay	Mbita	Ngothe	146.5	441
3	Siaya	Bondo	Mageta	800.0	2408
4	Kwale	Lunga Lunga	Wasini / Mkwiro	732.6	2205
5	Turkana	T. North	Kaires	53.5	161
6	Turkana	T. South	Kerio	53.5	161
7	Marsabit	Moyale	Dabel	53.5	161
				2,044.19	6,153