China and Kenya sign an MoU to implement the Africa Solar Belt Project, bringing off-grid solar power to rural schools, health facilities and water systems.
China and Kenya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the Africa Solar Belt Project, an initiative aimed at expanding access to renewable energy in remote and underserved communities. The agreement will support the installation of off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to provide electricity to schools, healthcare facilities and water supply infrastructure in rural parts of Kenya.
The MoU was signed by Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, representing China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and Alex K. Wachira, Principal Secretary of Kenya's State Department for Energy. Dr. Shaheen Nilofer, UNICEF Representative in Kenya, attended the signing ceremony as a third-party representative.
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The project will focus on potential implementation locations, including Tana River, Kilifi County and Maasai Mara University. The planned off-grid solar installations are intended to provide reliable electricity to essential public facilities, particularly in areas where access to conventional power infrastructure remains limited. The initiative is expected to strengthen the delivery of basic services and support local communities through cleaner energy solutions.
Schools are among the key beneficiaries of the project, as improved electricity access can support classroom activities and the use of digital learning resources. Healthcare facilities will also benefit from a more dependable power supply for essential services, while solar-powered systems are expected to support water supply infrastructure in remote rural communities.
The agreement marks an important step towards bringing the Africa Solar Belt Project to Kenya. China announced the initiative during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi in 2023. It forms part of broader South-South cooperation efforts to address climate change through renewable energy development, technical collaboration and sustainable infrastructure.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of decentralised renewable energy systems in addressing electricity access gaps. Off-grid solar solutions can provide power to communities that are difficult to connect to conventional electricity networks, helping improve access to essential public services while supporting climate-related development objectives.
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China and Kenya have expressed their willingness to further strengthen cooperation in renewable energy under China's Global Development Initiative (GDI). Both countries also aim to support the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through collaborative efforts addressing energy access and climate change.
The agreement adds to bilateral cooperation between the two countries in sustainable development and clean energy. Its implementation is expected to contribute to improved rural infrastructure and wider access to reliable renewable electricity in Kenya.