Kenya Power

Kenya Power is a transmission and distribution utility serving more than 6.7 million customers. In 2018, the utility reported employing more than 8,000 men and approximately 2,000 women. USAID is proud to work with Kenya Power in their commitment to improve gender equality in the energy sector as part of their path to long-term success.

Kenya has one of the most developed power sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, having opened its market to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the mid-1990s. The World Bank estimates that about 56 percent of the Kenyan population have access to electricity, which is generated from a variety of resources, including wind, solar, geothermal, and hydro. Kenya is also a part of the Eastern Africa Power Pool, which anticipates eventual connection to the Southern African Power Pool.

Most Kenyan women are educated, with a literacy rate of 74 percent according to GenderGap Africa. Some 64 percent of women participate in the labor force, as reported by the International Labor Organization. However, women remain underrepresented in the energy sector.

USAID is partnering with Kenya Power through the Engendering Industries program to assist in the development and implementation of their tailored action plan to incorporate gender equity into their business practices. Kenya Power’s HR specialists also took part in Engendering Industries’ customized Gender Equity Executive Leadership program, in partnership with Georgetown University. The program’s capstone project required participants to address methods to integrate gender equity into the HR employee lifecycle and utilize advanced change management approaches to maximize their company’s cultural evolution. This partnership has resulted in significant and substantial progress toward a gender-equitable future for the company.

About Engendering Industries

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Ryan Kilpatrick / USAID

Launched in 2015, USAID’s Engendering Industries program supports organizations in developing countries to increase economic opportunities for women and improve gender equality in the workplace. Expanding women’s participation in male-dominated sectors leads to tangible economic empowerment outcomes for women, such as formal employment opportunities and higher income. Increased gender equality also improves an organization’s business performance, helping companies meet their bottom-line by enhancing employee satisfaction, reducing turnover, and driving productivity. Well-functioning organizations are also vital in supporting stronger and more resilient economies. Through a customized best practices framework, demand-driven coaching, and a Gender Equity Executive Leadership Program, Engendering Industries builds the capacity of leaders to implement gender equality interventions that increase the professional participation of women and improve business performance.

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