The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is a statutory body created by an Act of Parliament No. 20 of 2003. REAs mandate is to provide electricity infrastructure to all rural areas using appropriate technologies in order to increase access, productivity and contribute to improved quality of life. REAs goal is to increase the electrification rate from 3% to 51% by 2030.

Key functions of the REA include:

• Administering and managing the Rural Electrification Fund (FEF);
• Developing and implementing the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP);
• Promoting and utilization of available rural electrification technological options;
• Mobilising funds to support rural electrification;
• Encoraging private sector participation in rural electrification through provision of smart subside, competitive bidding, and community mobilisation;
• Financing project preparation studies for rural electrification; and
• Recommending to government suitable policies for enhancement of access of electricity by the rural populations.