The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has initiated the procurement process for consulting services related to a 42.5 MW solar project, according to recently published tender documents.
KenGen received financing from France’s Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for the development and construction of the 42.5 MW solar power project. The state-owned electricity utility intends to use part of the funds for consulting services for the supervision and management of the 42.5MWac Seven Forks solar photovoltaic (PV) power project.
The project which is expected to take 58 months to complete will be located in Embu County. KenGen expects the consultants to assist it with review of the project documentation throughout the project period, and assistance in initial selection (Pre-qualification) of EPC contractors.
KenGen also expects the consultants to assist in evaluation of bids, pre-contract discussions and awarding of EPC contractors. The consultant will also be responsible for design review and approval of EPC contractor’s design documentation and construction drawings, as well as supervision of construction and commissioning.
According to the tender documents, interested parties must submit their expressions of interest by the 21st of February, 2024.
The Seven Forks solar photovoltaic (PV) power project will be 100% owned by KenGen. The solar plant, once completed, is expected to generate 97,219MWh of electricity.
The solar project will help Kenya in its goals to diversify its energy mix and become carbon neutral by 2030. Renewable energy currently makes up 92% of Kenya’s electricity mix, mostly consisting of geothermal as the leading technology, as well as wind, hydro and solar.
According to the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA), the East African country has an installed solar power capacity of 307MW.