Kenyan Wind Farm Kipeto Gets the Green Light

Kipeto Energy Ltd has announced it has reached financial close following the acquisition by leading growth markets investor Actis of the respective equity interests of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group and African Infrastructure Investment Managers' (AIIM), a member of Old Mutual Alternative Investments.

Once operational, Kipeto, located in Kajiado county, as the country's second largest wind farm will supply 100MW of clean energy to the national grid as a significant contribution to Kenya's Vision 2030 and Big Four Agenda.

The project is now preparing for the construction of 60 GE 1.7-103 wind turbines and a 17km (220KV) transmission line to carry the power to Isinya substation in Kajiado County, providing power to the equivalent of approximately 40,000 homes in the region. It is anticipated that more than 400 job opportunities will be created during the construction phase of the project and an additional 70 permanent jobs during the operational phase.

Lisa Pinsley, Director in the energy business at Actis, said: "We thank IFC and AIIM for such a well-managed period of transition. We are excited about taking the Kipeto project forward and we are committed to maintaining the highest level of standards drawing on our 70 years of investing responsibly in Africa. The project will not only contribute significantly to the Government's Vision 2030 agenda but will also have a positive impact on the local community through the creation of jobs and provision of over 80 houses."