At least 19 major projects in Kenya have been hit after international lenders reduced funding by at least 66.8 billion Shillings ($532.15 million), Business Daily newspaper reported.

Roads and energy infrastructure projects were the most impacted by the funding cutbacks by global financiers such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The Kamburu-Embu-Thika Transmission Line will see the largest cut of 4.5 billion shillings from China Exim Bank.

The construction of the 1,045 km 500 kV high voltage direct current transmission line, which plans to connect Kenya and Ethiopia grids, has been reduced by 3.15 billion shillings.

The World Bank funding for a project to increase power access by lowering construction charges has fallen by 2.9 billion shillings. On the other hand, the Gilgil-Thika Konza 400 KV Transmission Line has lost 2.3 billion shillings.

Kenya has depended on international loans to elevate existing power lines and improve the supply of electricity to meet a surge in demand due to rising population and economic growth.

(Editing by Seban Scaria seban.scaria@lseg.com)