Kenya is seeking to accelerate upgrades to its electricity network through public-private partnerships (PPPs), with plans to stabilise and modernise key transmission lines in Western and Northern Kenya.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, President William Ruto said Kenya is working with Africa50, on innovative financing models aimed at delivering faster and more reliable infrastructure for citizens.
Among the priority projects in the discussions with Alain Ebobissé, chief executive of Africa50, is the rehabilitation and stabilisation of about 202 kilometres of power transmission lines serving Western and Northern Kenya. The upgrades will be executed under a PPP framework designed to attract private capital while easing pressure on public finances.
"Met Africa50 CEO Alain Ebobissé on the sidelines of the African Union Summit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We discussed the innovative financing mechanisms we are deploying to drive transformation and deliver tangible impact for citizens of our country," said Ruto."These include revamping and stabilising electricity supply on the 202km power transmission lines in Western and Northern Kenya, using a public-private partnership arrangement."Ruto said improving transmission reliability in these regions will help cut outages, support industrial growth and expand electricity access in underserved communities.
Kenya and Africa50 are also exploring other projects that could be financed through similar models, including health-sector initiatives focused on delivering high-quality medical equipment and modern infrastructure.
Ebobissé noted that innovative financing structures, blending public and private resources, are becoming increasingly important for African countries facing large infrastructure gaps and limited fiscal space.
The discussions come as Kenya continues to pursue PPPs across transport, energy and social services to meet rising demand for infrastructure while maintaining debt sustainability.
