The Ministry of energy has indicated that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese construction firm to pave way for the establishment of a 50 Megawatt solar park in North-Eastern town of Garissa.
Energy and petroleum CS Charles Keter said during the MOU signing ceremony that China's largest construction company Jiangxi Corporation, will advance the green agenda and the inclusive development in Kenya by overseeing the project.
"Garissa solar project will widely transform the lives of many citizens, especially those in Garissa County. It will avail jobs and also help expand access to clean power to regions that are yet to be connected to the national grid and thus lowering carbon emissions in households," Keter disclosed.
The CS said feasibility studies on the viability of the project had been finalized and that the project shall be commissioned later this year.
However, China’s Jiangxi Corporation has said the $135-million solar park will be fed to the national grid line and is expected to produce sufficient power to light up to 625,000 households.
"The mega solar project will promote technology and skill exchange in a bid to ensure Kenya becomes a giant hub for developments of cleaner energy source," said the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa.