REREC launches plan to connect 50,000 homes to solar power

While launching the strategic plan, REREC Chairman Professor Simon Gicharu said that the corporation had been instrumental in creating access to electricity for about 71%  of the Kenya population saying that the corporation is now focusing on green and sustainable energy.

The strategic plan, which covers the period between 2018/2019 – 2022/2023  will cost the taxpayers Ksh. 159 billion to implement, with Ksh.60 billion going into the enhancement of green energy including wind power, biogas and solar energy. 

The plan envisages developing and promoting the use of renewable energy, increasing electricity connectivity, promoting Research and Development in Renewable Energy, establishing strategic collaborations with stakeholders, building human capital and strengthening institutional capacity, and achieving financial sustainability. 

In addition, about 112, 500 unelectrified homes which are within a radius of 600 meters from a transformer, will also be connected to the grid.

REREC, which was formerly known as The Rural Electrification Authority, was instrumental in connecting over 22,000 primary schools to electricity, facilitating the rollout of the digital literacy program. 

Speaking at the same venue, Principal Secretary in the ministry of Energy retired Major General Gordon Kihalangwa, lauded  REREC for its continued effort to light up rural areas, saying that the government was keen on implementing the reforms by the presidential Taskforce to review the power purchase agreement, with an aim of making electricity affordable for all.

REREC CEO, CPA Peter Mbugua said that the corporation was fully committed to implementing the reforms and had already constituted an implementation team and a plan of action to fast track compliance.

The corporation further launched a total of (45) forty-five policies; developed, reviewed, formatted and combined to form a booklet of the Corporation’s internal policies.

The  Policies are meant to assist the Corporation to enhance internal governance, infuse an ethical culture and lead to smooth, efficient and effective operations supporting the implementation of the strategic plan.