Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation

What Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation does

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) is a Kenyan state corporation established under section 43 of the Energy Act 2019, operating as the statutory successor to the Rural Electrification Authority. Its mandate is to implement rural electrification projects across Kenya and to spearhead the country's renewable energy drive. REREC is wholly owned by the Government of Kenya under the Ministry of Energy, headquartered at Kawi Complex, South C in Nairobi, with 16 Energy Centres, 6 regional offices, and an organizational headcount of approximately 142 staff transferred from the Ministry of Energy in July 2022 alongside the Energy Centre takeover (firmographics range 101–250 employees).

REREC's core technology stack is built around solar PV systems, solar mini-grids with battery storage, diesel-solar hybrid power stations, solar water pumping systems, solar street lighting, and biogas/clean-cooking technologies. Flagship infrastructure includes the Garissa 50MW Solar Power Plant — the largest grid-connected solar facility in East and Central Africa, spanning 85 hectares with 206,272 panels and 1,172 inverters (cumulative generation 282,996 MWh) — and the 50MW-plus generation portfolio is supplemented by 26 GoK-funded mini-grids serving 3,693 off-grid customers and 4,006 GoK-funded grid electrification projects. REREC also operates the Electrification of Public Facilities Project (electrified 60,934 of 88,750 identified facilities, 68.5%) and the Solar for Schools programme covering 22,927 primary schools and 53 secondary schools.

REREC's business model is government appropriation-based, not commercial. All services — including grid extension, transformer installation, solar systems, and household connections — are delivered free of charge to Kenyan citizens, with no fees, subscriptions, or commercial billing. Revenue inflows come from Government of Kenya exchequer allocations via the National Treasury, supplemented by international development partner grants and concessional financing from BADEA, OFID, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the World Bank (KOSAP and KEMP), and OPEC. The Matching Fund Programme adds a shilling-for-shilling co-financing arrangement with counties and constituencies (capped at Ksh 5 million per constituency). Grid infrastructure is handed over to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) for metering, billing, and operations and maintenance after joint commissioning — REREC does not retain a recurring commercial relationship with end users.

Name

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation

Legal name

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation

Website

https://rerec.co.ke

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) is a Kenyan government state corporation that implements rural electrification and renewable energy projects free of charge, serving rural households, public schools, health facilities, and county governments across Kenya through solar mini-grids, grid extension, and the 50MW Garissa solar plant.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Infrastructure Services

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211), Electric Power Generation (22111)

SIC

Electric Services (4911), Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction (1623), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)

akta.pro primary industry

Distributed Generation (DG) Solar & Small Wind (EUAMAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Renewable Distributed Generation (Rooftop/Onsite Solar, Small Wind, Small Hydro) (EUACALAJ), Resilience & Backup Power Solutions (Critical Facilities, Islanding) (EUAMAJAK), Electrical Balance-of-Plant EPC (MV Collection, Cabling, Earthing, Lighting) (EUAEADAB), Commissioning, Testing & Energization Services (Pre-Commissioning, Grid Code Compliance) (EUAMAFAK)

Keywords

• Rural electrification services
• Renewable energy infrastructure
• Solar mini-grid deployment
• Government energy programs
• Off-grid power solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices22 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Exchequer Funding: Primary funding source through the National Treasury. REREC receives budgetary allocations for implementing rural electrification projects. Services are provided free to citizens.
2. Development Partner Financing: International development funding from BADEA, OFID, Saudi Fund, ADFD, World Bank, OPEC. Total project financing exceeding $57 million for Electrification of Public Facilities Project alone.
3. Matching Fund Programme: Shilling-for-shilling co-financing arrangement with county governments and constituencies, capped at Ksh 5 million per constituency. REREC contributes matching funds to accelerate project implementation.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

REREC implements rural electrification and renewable energy projects across Kenya as a government state corporation under the Energy Act 2019. Its offerings include grid extension via transformer maximization, the 50 MW Garissa Solar Plant, solar mini-grids for off-grid counties, Solar for Schools installations, solar street lighting, solar borehole/water pumping systems, diesel-solar hybrid systems, the Electrification of Public Facilities Project, and clean cooking/biogas technologies. All services are provided free to citizens, funded by exchequer allocations, the Matching Fund Programme with county governments, and international development partner financing.

Product overview

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) is a Kenyan government corporation established under the Energy Act 2019 with an expanded mandate to spearhead Kenya's renewable energy drive and implement rural electrification projects. The organization operates as an infrastructure-focused entity offering multiple distinct products and programs rather than a unified software platform. Core offerings include solar mini-grids for off-grid communities, solar installations for schools (Solar for Schools), solar street lighting, solar borehole/water pumping systems, and diesel station hybridization. Flagship projects include the 50 MW Garissa Solar Plant—the largest grid-connected solar facility in East and Central Africa. REREC also delivers grid electrification through transformer maximization and the Electrification of Public Facilities Project (EPFP), supported by financing mechanisms like the Matching Fund Program. Service delivery is enhanced through 16-17 Energy Centres providing training and demonstrations on renewable technologies including biogas, improved cook stoves, and agroforestry. International donor-funded programs including KOSAP (World Bank) and KEMP support expansion to underserved counties. Unlike a technology platform with APIs, REREC's products are physical infrastructure and associated services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Solar Mini-Grids Localized electricity generation and distribution systems using solar PV with battery storage, operating independently from the national grid to serve off-grid communities in counties including Wajir, Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, and Garissa. REREC has 26 GoK-funded mini-grids serving 3,693 customers and is implementing 59 additional mini-grids (4,932 kW) under the World Bank-funded KOSAP programme.
• Solar for Schools Solar PV systems installed in primary and secondary schools to support Kenya's Digital Learning Programme and provide reliable electricity for academic, administrative, and security purposes. Includes 1.68kW systems for primary schools (240W lighting + 1,440W laptop/tablet charging) and 3kW systems with battery storage for secondary schools. REREC has electrified 22,927 primary schools and 53 secondary schools.
• Solar Street Lighting Standalone solar-powered lighting systems installed along roads, pathways, market centres, and public spaces to improve visibility, safety, and security in both urban and remote areas of Kenya.
• Solar Water Pumping (Solar Boreholes) Solar-powered water pumping systems installed at water treatment plants and boreholes to reduce electricity costs and provide reliable water supply. Includes a 68kW installation at Nyakach water treatment plant (reducing electricity bills by Ksh 2 million per month) and solarization of 14 boreholes in Nyeri County.
• Diesel Power Station Solar Hybridization Integration of solar PV systems with existing diesel generators in isolated power stations (Takaba, Eldas, Rhamu, Laisamis) to improve affordability and reduce carbon emissions and diesel fuel consumption.
• Electrification of Public Facilities Project (EPFP) Installation of electricity at public facilities including primary and secondary schools, polytechnics, health centres, market centres, community water points, tea and coffee buying centres, and government facilities, with household connections within a 600-meter radius. Co-financed by BADEA, OFID, Saudi Fund, ADFD, and Government of Kenya, with total project financing exceeding $57 million to electrify 1,200 public facilities and 35,460 households in 131 constituencies across 36 counties.
• Transformer Maximization Installation and extension of transformers per constituency in grid areas to expand electricity access to households within 600 metres radius of transformers, with Kshs 10.432 billion invested over five financial years.
• Grid Electrification Projects Government-funded grid extension projects involving installation and maximization of transformers to bring electricity closer to communities through expansion of power networks in rural areas, with 4,006 projects implemented and KSh 35.61 billion investment serving 324,387 target customers.
• Garissa 50MW Solar Power Plant 50 MW grid-connected solar power plant located in Balambala Constituency, Garissa County, approximately 20 kilometers from Garissa Town, spanning 85 hectares with 206,272 solar panels (265Wp) and 1,172 inverters (42kW). The largest grid-connected solar plant in East and Central Africa, with cumulative generation of 282,996 MWh and Ksh 1.7515 Billion in revenue. Plant investment totaled Ksh 13.7 Billion ($135.7 million).
• Energy Centres Technical outreach centres across Kenya providing training, sensitization, and demonstrations on renewable energy technologies including solar applications, biogas, improved cook stoves, and agroforestry. Currently 16-18 operational centres across the country.
• Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) World Bank-funded project jointly implemented by the Ministry of Energy, REREC, and KPLC targeting 14 counties in North and North Eastern Kenya, involving construction of 121 solar mini-grids, solarization of 380 boreholes, and installation of 1,100 standalone solar systems on public facilities. REREC is implementing 59 of the mini-grids with total capacity of 4,932kW.
• Kenya Electricity Modernization Project (KEMP) World Bank-funded project for solar mini-grids in off-grid areas. REREC is implementing 7 solar mini-grids with battery storage at 8 sites (Mageta Island, Ngodhe/Takawiri Islands, Wasini Island, Kaeris/Kerio markets, Dabel), targeting 4,088 customers in off-grid and island communities.
• Matching Fund Programme Shilling-for-shilling cost-sharing arrangement with county governments and constituencies, capped at Ksh 5 million per constituency per year, to supplement traditional exchequer funding for rural electrification projects. REREC has contributed over Ksh 1.8 billion in matching funds, with 15 counties contributing Ksh 985 million matched by REREC with Ksh 749 million to implement 742 projects (2014/15-2021/22).
• Isolated Diesel Stations Diesel-powered electricity generation systems in off-grid areas including the Hulugho 275KVA station, with plans for hybridization with solar to reduce operating costs and emissions.
• Improved Cook Stoves (Jikos) Energy-efficient cooking solutions promoted through Energy Centres to reduce firewood and charcoal consumption by 30-60%, addressing indoor air pollution, deforestation, and household energy costs.
• Biogas Technology Anaerobic digestion systems converting organic waste (animal manure, kitchen waste) into methane gas for cooking and lighting, with bio-slurry produced as organic fertilizer byproduct.

Quantifiable outcome

• 68.5% of identified public facilities (60,934 of 88,750) now electrified
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• University of SouthamptonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplemented two solar mini-grids with energy storage in Kitonyoni (23kW), Makueni County and Oloika (13.5kW), Kajiado County. Projects operational since 2016 with over 450 customers connected.
• Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKPLC undertakes metering, billing, and management/maintenance of grid infrastructure after REREC completes projects. Projects are inspected and commissioned jointly. KPLC also partners in KOSAP implementation.
• Ministry of Energy (Kenya)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent ministry providing policy direction and oversight. Energy Act 2019 established REREC as successor to Rural Electrification Authority. Ministry leads multi-stakeholder approaches including Digital Literacy Programme.
• Kisumu County GovernmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for solar water pumping project at Nyakach water treatment plant. REREC installed 68kW solar PV system reducing electricity costs.
• Nyeri County GovernmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU for solar borehole systems. 14 boreholes solarized that were previously powered by grid or diesel. Partnership under Matching Fund Facility.
• Meru County GovernmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership discussions for Solar/wind hybrid Power Plant. Matching Fund Facility has realized 92 projects at estimated cost of Ksh 45 million (33 completed, 59 in progress).
• County Governments (Multiple)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple county governments partner through Matching Fund Programme (shilling-for-shilling). 15 counties have contributed Ksh 985 million matched by REREC with Ksh 749 million to implement 742 projects (2014/15-2021/22).
• National Constituency Development Fund (NCDF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNCDF co-funds rural electrification through constituency allocations. REREC matches contributions up to Ksh 5 million per constituency under Matching Fund Programme.

Scale indicators24 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Zola Electric: Solar-plus-battery mini-grid developer with operations in Tanzania and Kenya. Directly comparable on the mini-grid technology stack REREC deploys under KOSAP and its standalone solar mini-grid programme.
• Sun King (Greenlight Planet): Distributed solar provider with significant East Africa operations including Kenya. Comparable as a peer on rural energy access and PAYG solar for un/under-electrified households across similar geographies.
• d.light: Pay-as-you-go solar home systems provider serving off-grid households across East Africa including Kenya. Overlaps with REREC's off-grid electrification mandate (Wajir, Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Garissa counties) on the demand side.
• BBOXX: Off-grid solar and mini-grid operator active across multiple African markets. Comparable as a peer on solar mini-grids, battery-integrated systems and last-mile rural electrification, particularly in East African territories.
• M-KOPA Solar: Kenya-founded pay-as-you-go solar home system provider serving off-grid and under-electrified households across East Africa. Overlaps with REREC's rural electrification mandate via the same end-customers and off-grid geographies.
• PowerGen Renewable Energy: Private mini-grid and distributed solar developer active in Kenya and East Africa, building and operating solar mini-grids in similar off-grid counties. Directly comparable business activity (solar mini-grids in rural Kenya) though operating as a private for-profit peer.

Direct peers

• Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC): Kenya's national electricity distribution utility and REREC's primary off-taker/operator for all commissioned grid assets. KPLC meters, bills and maintains REREC-built infrastructure, making it the closest operational peer as the same Kenyan electrification value chain.
• Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen): State-owned power producer operating large-scale generation including geothermal and hydro. KenGen is REREC's complementary state peer on the generation side of Kenya's electricity value chain and is also visible as a stakeholder on REREC's website.

Regional players

• Uganda Rural Electrification Fund: Uganda's statutory rural electrification financing vehicle channeling levy-funded electrification programmes. Comparable as a regional state-led rural electrification peer in East Africa with parallel funding and project implementation models.
• Rural Energy Agency (Tanzania): Tanzania's statutory rural electrification and renewable energy promotion agency with a mandate structurally identical to REREC's. Directly comparable as a peer on rural electrification programme design, donor financing and mini-grid rollout in East Africa.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCd0PqaOmAl6d3AXGRG0i9Cw
• Facebookfacebook.com/RERECKenya
• Instagraminstagram.com/rerec_kenya/?hl=en
• Xx.com/RERECMashinani
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rural-electrification-authority

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation