Energy

Makueni County is once again in the national spotlight, hailed as a model for renewable energy success following the impressive strides it has made in solarization.

Speaking during a side event at the ongoing Devolution Conference, Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo singled out Makueni’s solar project at the County Referral Hospital as a shining example for other counties to follow.

He lauded the initiative for not only reducing electricity costs but also freeing up funds to support other hospital services urging other counties to emulate.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who was a panelist in a session on Accelerating Climate-Compatible Planning in Kenya, shared Makueni’s vision of taking solarization a step further.

She expressed optimism that with increased capacity, Makueni could one day sell excess power to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and other partners, taking advantage of the county’s abundant sunshine as a semi-arid region.

In partnership with UK PACT and the World Resources Institute (WRI), Makueni has developed a County Energy Plan (2023–2032), rolled out community training on the productive use of renewable energy, and is preparing to launch a forward-looking energy policy.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, the county also introduced an expansive green energy programme aimed at cutting energy costs, boosting economic productivity, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting environmental conservation.

Business owners and patrons of Kitongu Market in Kako/Waia Ward now have a reason to smile after the Department of Energy installed a 20-meter-high mast solar floodlight in the market. Thanks to this initiative, businesses and customers will no longer have to worry about dark nights or security threats after sunset.

In the 2024/2025 Financial Year, the department successfully installed 45 integrated solar market lights across 9 Wards: Thange, Masongaleni, Mtito Andei, Kee, Ilima, Kisau/Kiteta, Kako/Waia, Kathonzweni, and Kitise/Kithuki.

Additionally, 17 grid-powered market floodlights were installed across 7 Wards—Kithungo/Kitundu, Tulimani, Nguumo, Kikumbulyu North, Kitise/Kithuki, Mbitini, and Ukia—further enhancing visibility and security in local markets.

#WauniWaKwikaNesaNaUlungalu

Makueni County is turning a new page in energy access with its innovative County Energy Policy—shaped by the voices of its people!

Through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy, the county government has concluded a three-day citizen validation of the draft policy to ensure it reflects the real needs, priorities, and aspirations of local communities.

Anchored in the national Energy Act 2019 and the Constitution of Kenya, the policy provides a framework to guide the county in planning, regulating, and implementing sustainable energy solutions.

The policy has been developed in collaboration with World Resources Institute (WRI), Strathmore University, UK PACT and Just Energy Transition Africa, with a vision to enhance access to sustainable, adequate, affordable, competitive, secure, reliable and modern energy to meet the needs of the people of Makueni.

Makueni County residents on Wednesday participated in the second day of public validation for the draft County Energy Policy, with sessions held in Tawa (Mbooni Sub-County) and Kambu (Kibwezi East).

The final round of consultations will take place tomorrow in:

Nunguni (Kaiti Sub-County)

Sultan Hamud (Kilome Sub-County)

Residents unable to attend in person can review the draft policy and submit feedback online via: https://makueni.go.ke/documents/draft-makueni-energy-policy/

Makueni residents, through sector representatives, have started validating the county’s draft Energy Policy to ensure it aligns with community needs.

On Tuesday, representatives from Makueni and Kibwezi West Sub-counties reviewed the draft policy, discussing energy usage, challenges, and potential local solutions to achieve universal energy access in the county.

The exercise, led by Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing, and Energy Executive Committee Member Eng. Peter Mumo and Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, will extend to all six sub-counties. The goal is to create a citizen-centric policy that effectively addresses the county’s energy challenges.

#wauniwakwikanesanaulungalu

Makueni has initiated the formulation of its first Energy Policy, a strategic framework aimed at addressing energy challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Led by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works & Energy, an inter-departmental committee has begun drafting the policy with technical support from Strathmore University, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and UK-PACT. These partners are providing expertise to ensure the policy aligns with global best practices in renewable energy and public-private partnerships.

The Makueni Energy Policy seeks to:

• Promote renewable energy by harnessing solar, wind, and biogas resources.

• Improve energy affordability and reliability

• Encourage decentralized energy solutions, such as mini-grids and off-grid solar systems, to ensure stable power supply in remote areas.

• Foster public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment in sustainable energy projects.

County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Eng. Peter Mumo,who chaired the inaugural drafting session in Wote on Wednesday emphasized that reliable and affordable energy is critical for industrial growth, business expansion, and overall socio-economic progress.

Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi said adopting innovative and decentralized energy solutions, will ensure that even the most remote communities have access to electricity.

The Department of Energy has installed two flood masts in Kikumbulyu North Ward to enhance security and support businesses operating at night.

The floodlights, set up in Kathyaka and Athi Kiaoni markets, were commissioned by CECMs Eng. John Kieti (Water) and Eng. Peter Nyamai (Energy).

Market floodlights improve safety, extend business hours and create a more vibrant trading environment.

This initiative to light up markets aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s plan to drive economic growth in local markets.

With a similar project launched this week in Kiunduani Market, the Thursday commissioning was attended by Kikumbulyu North MCA Jackson Mbalu, Governor’s Advisor Nzioki King’ola and Education Director Damaris Makau.