Rapid Electrification in Kenya: Progress, challenges, and practical geospatial solutions

Abstract This policy briefing argues that rural electrification can be improved through geospatial policy interventions, using Kenya as a salient case study. Through semi-structured interviews complemented by literature review and analyses using Geographic Information Systems and the Multi-Tier Framework for Measuring Energy Access, we find that existing geospatial data can be used to better estimate electricity demand, target best-fit electrification technologies, and implement incentives to encourage universal access. Furthermore, service for existing customers can be improved by geotagging customer records, fault reports, maintenance work, and other operational data.