Kenya and China have signed an agreement to support solar electricity for rural public services.
Kenya and China will support off-grid solar installations in selected rural areas under the Africa Solar Belt initiative.
A new Kenya-China solar deal will expand access to electricity for rural schools, health facilities and water systems. The project targets underserved communities with limited access to the national power grid.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan and Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira signed the memorandum of understanding on Tuesday. UNICEF Representative to Kenya Dr Shaheen Nilofer also witnessed the signing as a third-party representative.
The project will install off-grid solar photovoltaic systems in selected locations, including Tana River, Kilifi County and the Maasai Mara University area. These systems will supply renewable electricity to essential public services in remote communities.
Kenya-China solar deal advances Africa Solar Belt initiative
The agreement forms part of China’s Africa Solar Belt initiative. China announced the project at the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi in 2023. It falls under China’s South-South cooperation efforts to support climate change mitigation and renewable energy development across Africa.
The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi described the signing as an important step towards implementing the project in Kenya. Through the planned installations, the two countries aim to strengthen rural infrastructure and improve access to essential services.
Alongside electricity for schools and health facilities, the project will provide solar power for rural water supply systems. It also supports Kenya’s efforts to increase renewable energy use and reach communities where extending conventional grid infrastructure can be challenging.
