The Cooperative University of Kenya is set to establish a 40 MW solar power plant through a partnership with the private sector.

Posted on : Wednesday , 4th February 2026

The Cooperative University of Kenya has revealed its intentions to establish a 40 MW solar power plant aimed at providing electricity to the national grid, subsequent to receiving approval from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

University Chancellor Dr. Bernard William Chitunga stated that the initiative, which is valued at approximately USD 50 million, will be carried out in conjunction with Dahai Shandong. As per the agreement, the private partner will provide funding, construct, and operate the facility for a predetermined period prior to transferring ownership to the university.

Dr. Chitunga stated that the financing model is intended to mitigate budgetary strain on both the university and the state, as neither has the capability to finance large-scale energy infrastructure on its own. This arrangement permits the university to avoid significant initial expenditures while taking advantage of reduced electricity costs and a share of the revenue from electricity sold to the grid.

Once it is operational, the solar power plant is projected to establish the Cooperative University of Kenya as the inaugural higher education institution in the country capable of generating electricity at a utility scale. Furthermore, this initiative is designed not only to provide clean energy to the national grid but also to illustrate alternative financing strategies that could hasten the execution of major infrastructure projects in Kenya.

Dr. Chitunga observed that the cost of electricity in the nation continues to be elevated, and that Kenya's intention to expand by 10,000 MW of new generation capacity cannot solely rely on public funding. He emphasized the necessity of attracting private capital, which includes infrastructure investment funds and sovereign wealth funds, to satisfy the increasing energy demand.

The solar facility is anticipated to be operational by the end of this year. The university intends to closely observe the financial performance of the project, as electricity generation will play a role in the national supply and aid in efforts to lower consumer power expenses.