Ruto Announces Plan to Shut Down Diesel Power Plant in Northern Kenya
President William Ruto has revealed that the government plans to shut down a diesel-powered power plant in northern Kenya within the next year.
This move is part of the government’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources.
Speaking in Nairobi during the signing of contracts aimed at expanding electricity access through mini-grids and solar energy, Ruto stated that the government is working on eliminating diesel power in Lodwar, Turkana County. He emphasized that this is a key step towards achieving a fully renewable energy grid in the country.
The government has already taken measures to integrate solar power with diesel, gradually shifting towards a cleaner energy mix.
Plans are underway to install an eight-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system in northern Kenya, an area known for its prolonged sunny weather. This solar project will reduce reliance on expensive and polluting diesel generators.
Ruto announced that by next year, the diesel power plant in Lodwar will be shut down, and the national power grid will be extended to the area.
“We are making a bold move to shut down the diesel power plant in Lodwar and replace it with clean energy. I look forward to the moment when I finally switch it off for good,” he said.
Running off-grid power stations on diesel fuel is extremely costly. According to a report by Kenya Power, the country requires about 2.22 million litres of diesel every month to operate 30 off-grid power stations.
Over a year, this adds up to 22.64 million litres, costing taxpayers approximately KSh 4.31 billion annually. By shifting to solar energy, the government aims to cut down these high costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
To further support this transition, Ruto announced a major infrastructure project worth KSh 900 million. This project will involve constructing 100 kilometres of 66-kilovolt power lines and a substation in northern Kenya. The goal is to strengthen electricity distribution, lower energy costs, and ensure that more areas receive stable and affordable power.
The government’s long-term vision is to achieve a 100% clean energy grid by 2030. This aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy of embracing renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint.
The shift to renewable energy is not new. In 2019, the Ministry of Energy launched the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) to expand access to electricity in remote areas. This project targeted 14 counties, including Turkana, West Pokot, Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Narok, Taita-Taveta, Garissa, Samburu, and Kwale.
Thanks to funding from the World Bank, KOSAP was designed to provide renewable energy to 430,000 households at a total cost of KSh 16 billion (approximately USD 150 million). One of the project’s main goals is to install solar home systems and mini-grids, ensuring that over 1.5 million households in off-grid regions gain access to sustainable electricity.
During the event, Ruto also announced that six contracts had been signed to connect 343 public institutions, including schools and health facilities, to solar power. This initiative, costing KSh 438 million, will enable essential services to run on clean energy.
Additionally, the government is in the final stages of procuring 316 solar-powered water pumps for boreholes, a project worth KSh 1.6 billion.
These solar pumps will help provide reliable water supply in arid and semi-arid areas, ensuring that electricity not only powers homes but also supports critical services such as healthcare and water access.
With these ambitious projects, the Kenyan government is taking significant steps toward achieving a future powered by clean, sustainable energy.
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