CEI Africa, Renewvia Expand Mini-Grids In Kenya

Key Figures & Findings: CEI Africa has signed a $4.475 million senior secured loan with Renewvia Energy Kenya Ltd a subsidiary of the U.S.-based Renewvia Energy Corporation. aiming to deliver solar-powered electricity to the Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement in Turkana County. The deal also includes $4.2 million in results-based grant funding, partly structured as a forgivable loan. Claudia Vroom of CEI Africa called the deal “a holistic, one-stop-shop approach” to green energy access, emphasizing support for sustainable mini-grid business models.

Statistics & Insights:  The existing 541kW solar plant will be scaled to a 2.4MW solar PV system, paired with 5MWh of battery storage. This expansion is expected to create 15,600 new energy connections, bringing reliable electricity to 18,600 total customers.

Future Implications: Once operational by mid-2025, the project could become East Africa’s largest solar mini-grid and provide a blueprint for large-scale electrification of refugee and host communities. The investment is expected to stimulate Kakuma’s $56 million annual market by powering SMEs, telecom infrastructure, clinics, and homes.

Source: CEI Africa