Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has invited bids to be submitted for the establishment of solar PV mini-grids in the counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Narok, Kilifi and Kwale.   

The broad scope of work involves design, supply, installation and commissioning of solar PV generation plants with the associated power distribution network. Operation and maintenance (O&M) services for a period of 7 years post commissioning is also part of the job.   

It has been launched under the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project for Underserved Counties (KOSAP), a flagship project of the Energy Ministry that’s funded by the World Bank. As the name suggests, KOSAP is aimed at increasing electricity access in underserved counties of the country (see Off-Grid Solar Key To Kenya’s Electrification).    

Kenya targets to cover 14 out of 47 counties in the country under KOSAP as these have been identified as marginalized by the government. These 14 counties, including the 8 listed in the KPLC tender, collectively represent 72% of the national land area and 20% of the total population, according to the country’s Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).  

The last date to submit applications for the KPLC tender launched on August 15, 2023 is September 26, 2023. The details of the tender are available on KPLC’s website.