DavidGathimbaM/Energy-Access-and-Electrification-planning-in-Kenya

# Energy Access and Electrification Planning in Kenya ### Introduction The **Rural Electrification Programme** in Kenya aimed to achieve universal electricity access across the country, resulting in **76%** of Kenyan households gaining electricity access. This initiative significantly boosted rural economic resilience in Kenya. However, since its conclusion in 2022, the country has seen a notable decline in electricity access, particularly in generation capacity and reliability. This project supports the World Bank's Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030. By leveraging data-driven insights, this project aims to guide energy planning and distribution in Kenya **to scale up connectivity** - a critical factor in addressing the country’s development needs. ### Problem Statement Kenya’s population has been steadily increasing over the years. Notably, economic planning has not kept pace with this rapid growth. As a result, an annual estimate of 4.4% rural-urban migration occurs, driven largely by youth seeking employment. However, this migration may not yield stable opportunities, as the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) reports a high youth unemployment rate of 67%. To address the challenges posed by Kenya’s growing population, rising unemployment, and high rates of rural-to-urban migration, the government must implement strategic, long-term economic interventions. Prioritizing rural electrification and expanding energy access will stimulate local investments, promote the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and enhance agricultural productivity through the adoption of advanced technologies. Most critically, fostering job creation within rural areas will drive sustained economic growth, increase household income, and build resilience within rural economies. ### Objective This project utilizes geospatial data for Kenya to support strategic objectives in wind r …