Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) has been appointed joint mandated lead arranger (JMDA) of the $30m debt finance package being raised by Tembo Power to build the Kaptis hydro-electric power plant in Western Kenya.

EAIF, through its manager, Ninety One, will work alongside Finnfund as JMDA.

Paromita Chatterjee, Investment Director at EAIF manager, Ninety One, said: “EAIF is delighted to have been appointed the lead arranger of the debt finance for the Kaptis hydro electricity project. The Fund, with PIDG,  brings a unique combination of patient lending, deep knowledge of infrastructure finance and a record of commitment to renewable energy.”

Tembo Power, together with its partners Metier and WK Power, will inject some $14m in equity.

Tembo Power aims to have the new plant operational in late 2022.

Tembo Power’s founder, Raphael Khalifa, said: “I am pleased to welcome EAIF and Finnfund to our consortium for the actual construction of Kaptis. These two lenders are major players in the African infrastructure sector with specific knowledge of Kenya’s regulatory environment and demonstrated success in financing small hydropower projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is another significant step towards financial closing later this year.”