Kenya to set up 136 solar mini-grids for remote communities

Off-grid solar power, spearheaded by start-ups, has gained popularity in Africa in recent years for homes left off mainstream electricity grids.

There are more than 3,000 installed solar mini-grids in sub-Saharan Africa, up from 500 in 2010, the World Bank said. Another 9,000 are planned, according to the bank, including the ones to be constructed in Kenya.

The new solar mini-grids are part of a $150 million programme funded by the World Bank.