Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has operationalised the solarisation of street lighting in efforts to cut the huge power bills, which the executive term as an obstacle to the county’s development.
Wamatangi says that the county spends over a billion shillings on power bills annually, and the adoption of renewable energy is a strategic move, which will offer massive relief to the county's funds.
The Kiambu governor maintains that this move will ensure the county incurs no recurring electricity costs beyond the initial installation fees, a step expected to significantly reduce operational expenses and ease the financial burden on the county government.
"The light we are installing has no other costs than the installation fees, and that means that over time, if you've saved that 7 billion, you could recover all the money that you've invested in solar lighting in two years," Wamatangi affirms.
Wamatangi said the programme will be expanded to cover health services, water projects, other county development initiatives, and offices across the county.
"We've had boreholes all over the county that were done, but no water. That's why solarisation remains a major solution. In our markets selling their goods, we subject our people to high rates emanating from the KPLC. I'm struggling with markets that I have not solarised, but I will make the dream come true, and I will light all the markets," Wamatangi said.
The Sh400 million solar project, actualised in three phases, will include the solarisation of the street lights across the county, transitioning county-run hospitals from the national grid to solar, and also county offices.
“The residents of Kiambu have reported enhanced security and extended business hours because of the solar lights. The non-reliance on the grid also rids the wards of constant blackouts,’’ says Wamatangi.
Newton Gitobu, the Kiambu County Executive Committee member (CECM) for Roads and Infrastructure, said the county is extending street lighting to rural market centres to improve security and enable businesses to operate around the clock, creating more opportunities for residents.
Traders in the area said they have already witnessed a significant security improvement, noting that incidents of insecurity have greatly reduced since the initiative was introduced, allowing them to operate freely.
