Kenya and Ethiopia have renewed a major cross-border power purchase agreement to bolster regional energy security, importing electricity at approximately 20 Kenyan Shillings ($0.15) per unit to reinforce Kenya’s national grid.

Speaking on the deal, Dennis Beru, Journalist and team leader at Grassroots Journalism in Kenya, explained that despite Kenya possessing its own power generation infrastructure, domestic energy demand remains exceptionally high. The agreement follows a recent nationwide blackout caused by mechanical failures, underscoring Kenya’s need for imported power to maintain grid stability.

The deal was formally signed by Kenya Power and Lighting Company Managing Director Dr Joseph Siror and Ethiopian Electric Utility Chief Executive Officer Engineer Shiferaw Telila.

According to Beru, the partnership is designed to deliver immediate benefits to local communities along the Kenya-Ethiopia border while fostering broader regional co-operation. The initiative also aims to support efforts toward establishing an integrated East African regional power pool to drive sustainable economic growth.

–Channel Africa–