By Mohamed Siyad - Reporter
January, 26 2026 -Journalists in Wajir County have undergone specialised training on community engagement and media participation in the implementation of the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at expanding electricity access in underserved regions.
KOSAP is being implemented in 14 marginalised counties through the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in partnership with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). The KSh 15 billion project targets more than 15 million people living in areas not connected to the national grid.
The training, held at Wajir Palace Hotel, focused on the role of the media in public sensitisation, consumer awareness and promoting community participation. The programme is being delivered under the Ministry’s Kawi Safi Mashinani initiative, which provides off-grid solar power and clean cooking solutions in marginalised counties.
Speaking during the session, Wajir KOSAP Project Officer Fahma Yussuf outlined the project’s objectives and progress, noting that the initiative seeks to enhance access to modern energy through the installation of standalone solar systems, solar-powered water pumps and mini-grids across the county.
“This project is environmentally friendly and contributes to climate resilience while improving livelihoods,” she said. “Land acquisition has been one of the biggest bottlenecks, but most of these issues have now been resolved. Compensation concerns have also been addressed, with communities benefiting from projects worth up to one million shillings in sectors such as water, health and irrigation.”
KOSAP targets 25 mini-grid sites in Wajir County, covering Eldas, Wajir North, Tarbaj, Wajir West, Wajir South and Wajir East sub-counties. In addition, standalone solar systems will be installed in households and public institutions, including 23 dispensaries. Solar-powered water systems are also planned for several community boreholes.
The project also places strong emphasis on community engagement and training to ensure residents understand the benefits and sustainability of the initiative. Journalists were briefed on key components of the programme, including consumer rights, environmental impact and the long-term social and economic benefits of reliable energy access.
Anthony Mugo, a consultant and representative of the Ministry of Energy, described KOSAP as a transformative and sustainable investment.
Related articles
“Once construction is completed and power is connected, communities will experience improved healthcare services, better learning environments in schools and expanded business opportunities,” he said. “This is about long-term development and inclusive growth.”
Despite the progress, officials acknowledged challenges such as insecurity in some areas and land-related disputes, which have occasionally delayed implementation. However, they expressed confidence that continued dialogue and community involvement would ensure smooth execution.
The project aims to serve 250,000 households with standalone solar systems and 60,000 households with clean cooking solutions. It also targets the construction of 114 mini-grids across participating counties, connecting about 50,000 households to electricity. In addition, 523 public facilities — including secondary schools, health centres and administrative offices — will be supplied with solar power, while 316 boreholes currently using diesel are set to benefit from solar-powered pumps.
The beneficiary counties include Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Marsabit, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Narok, Lamu and Isiolo.
With Wajir County having long grappled with frequent power outages, residents and stakeholders are hopeful the project will provide a lasting solution to energy challenges while driving socio-economic development across the region.
