Africa50, the infrastructure investment platform promoted by the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited have signed an agreement to proceed with the development of a PPP-based power transmission project in Kenya. It involves the development, financing, construction and operation of 400 kV (Lessos - Loosuk) and 220 kV (Kisumu - Musaga) transmission lines. The project will improve both the supply and reliability of electricity transmission in western Kenya.

POWERGRID will provide technical and operational support and Africa50 will bring its expertise in project development and financing and act as a liaison between the Kenyan government and investors.

One of the project's objectives is the demonstration effect of increasing private investment in the expansion of electricity transmission networks in Africa, which is critical to closing the electricity access gap on the continent.

According to the World Bank's 2019 data, about 30.3% of Kenya's population lives without consistent access to electricity. For sub-Saharan Africa, the figure is even higher at 53.3%.

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