By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
6 January 2026 - Mandera County’s push for reliable electricity supply gained momentum following a high-level consultative meeting between Deputy Governor Ali Maalim and Kenya’s energy leadership.
In a strategic follow-up move, a technical session was convened with Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira, alongside National Energy Development Implementation (NEDI) Coordinator Hon. Simba Guleid and National Coordinator for the North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI), Hon. Simba Guleid, in Nairobi to advance power connectivity plans for Mandera.
The meeting centred on implementing electricity supply for the county under the existing Kenya Ethiopia Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), with discussions focusing on the technical, regulatory, and infrastructure requirements needed to translate the agreement into dependable power delivery.
Key focus areas included cross-border power import execution, ensuring alignment on technical system configuration, settlement and billing frameworks, reliability benchmarks, and clearly defined institutional roles to guarantee firm electricity supply into Mandera.
Grid extension options for Mandera and Wajir, where stakeholders evaluated possible transmission and distribution corridors, substation needs, and last-mile connectivity plans aimed at stabilising power for public facilities and local communities.
Strategic power generation outlook, highlighting the newly announced Daua River Hydroelectric Mega Dam as a potential long-term baseload solution, complemented by short-term alternatives to accelerate electricity access.
Officials confirmed that an inter-agency technical workplan is now being finalised, detailing timelines, responsibilities, and key implementation milestones.
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The delegation further announced plans to engage Ethiopian counterparts in Addis Ababa in February 2026, where both countries will work toward scaling implementation and strengthening energy cooperation for sustainable power supply in the region.
Once the initiative is completed, it is expected to be a game changer for residents
Situated along a strategic triangular border linking Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, Mandera town is poised to rapidly transform into a thriving business hub in the Horn of Africa
Currently mandera residents rely on diesel generators and off‑grid solutions, mostly in Sub-ounties and many rural areas remain without electricity.
Mandera Set for Transformation as Power Connectivity Plans Gain Momentum
Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Meets Energy Leaders to Fast-Track Kenya-Ethiopia Power Import for Mandera
