MAKUENI COUNTY SLASHES ENERGY COSTS WITH SOLAR PLAN, SAVES MILLIONS

Makueni County has cut millions in electricity costs and boosted service delivery after rolling out an ambitious energy plan anchored on solar power, officials said.

The county government revealed that its 2022 County Energy Plan is already yielding major financial and operational gains, with savings redirected to critical sectors such as healthcare.

Speaking during an interview with UK PACT, a key implementation partner, County Executive Committee Member for Energy Eng. Peter Mumo said the devolved unit has developed both a County Energy Plan and an Energy Policy to steer sustainable energy use.

Flagship among the projects is the solarization of Makueni County Referral Hospital, where a 205-kilowatt system installed at a cost of KSh 30 million is now saving the county about KSh 7 million annually.

Mumo said the savings are being redirected to purchase medical equipment and essential supplies, while the facility now enjoys uninterrupted power, significantly improving healthcare services.

The solar push has also extended to other public institutions, including the County Assembly, where solarized car sheds have reduced electricity costs to zero. Additional beneficiaries include Makueni and Kathonzweni dairies, as well as the Kaiti II Water Project.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with World Resource Institute and Strathmore University, has drawn national attention, with the county presenting its model at the Council of Governors.

Looking ahead, the county plans to scale up solar installations across all public institutions, targeting hospitals, schools, water projects and cold storage facilities as part of its long-term sustainability agenda.

Mumo was accompanied by Chief Officer for Energy Eng. Naomi Nthambi and Acting Director of Energy Eng. Kamami Musyoka.