Kenya parastatals are no longer mere bureaucratic entities. They are engines of transformation, proving that government institutions can deliver impact, innovation, and accountability. Across energy, agriculture, tourism, finance, education, and water sectors, a new generation of parastatals is rewriting the narrative — placing service to citizens at the core of their mission.
From connecting remote villages to the national grid, to empowering tea farmers and diversifying tourism offerings, these agencies are shaping the country’s development agenda with remarkable consistency. Their achievements are not only measurable but deeply transformative, restoring public trust and delivering inclusive growth at scale.
- The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC)
REREC is lighting up Kenya’s development journey with purpose. Over the last two years, REREC has implemented 5,000 electrification projects, connecting more than 60,000 new customers across all 290 constituencies. Under a World Bank-supported initiative, the Corporation has developed 38 mini-grids in historically underserved counties and remote islands. In a bold move to support agricultural transformation, REREC is rolling out a Ksh 2.9 billion electrification program for the Galana Kulalu food security project, which includes two substations and 58 kilometers of power lines to reduce irrigation costs. Furthermore, the agency has mobilized over Ksh 4 billion through partnerships with county governments and the National Government Constituency Development Fund, enabling the rollout of more than 450 additional projects countrywide. - Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA)
KMA has been instrumental in safeguarding Kenya’s maritime domain. KMA has significantly strengthened regulatory enforcement on safety, marine pollution prevention, and illegal fishing. Through enhanced port security and marine conservation frameworks, Kenya’s blue economy has become more resilient and sustainable. The Authority has also positioned the country as a regional maritime leader, actively participating in international platforms and advocating for equitable exploitation of ocean resources. - Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA)
KTDA has remained the cornerstone of Kenya’s tea sector, especially for smallholder farmers. In the past financial year, KTDA paid out over Ksh 180 billion in bonuses, offering a lifeline to more than 650,000 tea growers. With the launch of the premium “Chai Gold” brand, KTDA is also diversifying Kenya’s tea portfolio. The agency has further enhanced its fertilizer distribution system and adopted advanced ICT solutions to improve transparency and traceability in the tea value chain. - Tourism Research Institute (TRI)
TRI is playing a crucial role in shaping tourism policy and growth through evidence-based insights. The Institute has published groundbreaking research on post-COVID travel trends, domestic tourism patterns, and the potential of non-traditional segments such as eco-tourism and adventure travel. TRI’s collaboration with county governments and international tourism stakeholders has led to more targeted investment in tourism infrastructure and marketing. By institutionalizing data-driven planning, TRI is ensuring that tourism diversification is strategic, inclusive, and sustainable.