The World Bank approved International Development Association (IDA) credit of $150 million to enable communities in Kenya to access solar energy through off-grid solar systems, the Bank announced recently.
According to the announcement, the off-grid Solar Access Project for Underserved Counties will serve an estimated 1.3 million people in 277,000 households across 14 counties in Kenya.
'It will reach homes, schools, health centers, with maximum private sector involvement and investment to ensure sustainability,' the World Bank's statement said.
Ten counties are located in the north and northeastern parts of Kenya as part of the North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI).
These include Garissa, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Narok, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir, and West Pokot. The other four that are not part of the NEDI are Kwale, Kilifi, Narok and Taita Taveta.
The project will attract private sector investment, knowledge, sustainable services and other key efficiencies.
The World Bank’s IDA, established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
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