By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
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Kenya, April 28, 2026- The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a major solarisation project at the Malaba One-Stop Border Post, aimed at improving efficiency at one of the country’s busiest crossing points.
In a statement, the authority said the move is designed to address frequent power outages that have been disrupting cargo clearance, increasing the risk of smuggling, and heightening insecurity for cross-border traders.
The initiative was implemented in partnership with TradeMark Africa and the Swedish Government, and now powers all operations at the facility, generating more than 233,000 kilowatt-hours annually.
Before the upgrade, the border post relied heavily on a high-capacity diesel generator, consuming an estimated 700 litres of fuel per month to maintain operations during outages, according to the authority.
Beyond Malaba, a similar project has been implemented at the Moyale One-Stop Border Post to strengthen efficiency along the Lamu Port South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.
“Implemented under the Swedish-funded Kenya Enhanced Trade Environment and Inclusion (KETEI) programme, the project features a hybrid solar system equipped with battery storage,” the authority stated.
Speaking during the launch at Malaba, Sweden’s Ambassador to Kenya, Håkan Åkesson, said the project will help streamline operations while strengthening regional trade and public service delivery.
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“Sweden is proud to stand with Kenya in building infrastructure that is modern, resilient, and climate-smart. As trade volumes grow and regional integration deepens, projects like this ensure that growth is both sustainable and inclusive,” Åkesson said.
KRA Deputy Commissioner for Risk Management George Aduwi said the project is expected to improve cargo clearance consistency, reduce delays, lower operational costs, and cut carbon emissions.
“With stable power now in place, clearance processes are more consistent, reducing delays and allowing goods to move more predictably across the border,” Aduwi said.
“The shift to solar is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes over the next few decades. In addition, reduced reliance on diesel has lowered exposure to fuel price volatility, helping to stabilise operational costs at the OSBP,” he added.