Energy

At the Kenya International Investment Conference 2026, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. positioned Makueni County as a leader in Africa’s green industrial future, highlighting the county’s energy plan, whose goals are already being realized.

He called for industrialization that is cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive, spotlighting sectors from climate-smart agro-processing to renewable-powered factories.

Mutula emphasized the often-overlooked economic impact of biomass cooking in schools, hospitals, and prisons. The event also saw the launch of the country’s first $589 million Institutional Clean Cooking Sector Pack to scale clean cooking solutions. Makueni partnered with CLASP to accelerate adoption, demonstrating practical, measurable action.

He urged investors, innovators, and development partners to move from resolutions to implementation. He also stressed the need to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies in government, noting that Makueni’s transparent governance serves as a model for effective public-private partnerships.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reinforced Africa’s green potential through solar, sustainable agriculture, energy transitions, and critical minerals, highlighting private-public partnerships as essential to progress.

Makueni County inks MOU with Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) to transform public institutions infrastructure with clean energy. The deal demonstrates the power of partnerships in powering economic and social transformation. The signing was witnessed by HE. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the African Green Industrialization Initiative Forum in Nairobi.

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.

The Makueni County Government has rolled out a new electricity connectivity initiative targeting key public facilities in Kako-Waia and Kalawa Wards.

The program, led by the Department of Transport, Energy, and Infrastructure, will see the installation of transformers to power the Wambiti Warehouse in Kako, Waia Ward, as well as Kathulumbi Dispensary, Mutembuku CTTI, Mutanda CTTI, and Kalawa Market in Kalawa Ward.

Speaking during the launch on Thursday, county officials emphasized that the project aims to boost access to reliable electricity in rural institutions, supporting local economic growth and improving service delivery.

The initiative is part of Makueni’s broader rural electrification agenda implemented in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). Officials noted that the county remains committed to ensuring equitable energy access across all wards to spur development and enhance livelihoods.

In efforts to improve rural infrastructure and promote renewable energy, the Government of Makueni County, in partnership with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), has launched a Sh4.5 million solar-powered high mast lighting project at Masumba Market in Kasikeu Ward.

The official handover of the project site to the contractor took place on Monday, signaling the commencement of installation works.

The solar-powered lighting system is expected to enhance night-time visibility, improve security, and stimulate business activity in and around Masumba Market.

The initiative is part of Makueni’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and rural economic transformation. Once operational, the high mast lighting system will enable traders to extend their working hours and create a safer, more vibrant marketplace.

The solar-powered system, which harnesses clean and renewable energy, is also expected to reduce electricity costs for the government, saving millions of shillings in the long run.

In a major boost to rural electrification, the Government of Makueni County in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), has launched a Sh4.5 million solar-powered high mast lighting project at Utangwa Market in Kithungo/Kitundu Ward.

The county government and REREC officially handed over the project site to the contractor on Monday, marking the start of the installation. The modern solar-powered lighting system is expected to enhance night-time visibility, improve security, and stimulate business activity in and around the market.

Speaking during the handover, county officials noted that the project aligns with ongoing efforts to promote renewable energy and drive economic growth in rural areas.

Once completed, the high mast system is expected to transform Utangwa Market into a safer and more vibrant commercial hub, extending business hours and boosting local trade.

A similar Sh4.5 million project was also launched at Kasikeu, Sultan Hamud, to illuminate the Masumba area.

The solar projects are expected to save the government millions of shillings in electricity costs.

Makueni residents have expressed joy and hope as Government of Makueni County in partnership with REREC rolls out rural electrification projects worth Sh80 million across 12 wards in all six sub-counties. The projects, will connect 617 households and public institutions to electricity.

During a launch gathering in Makindu, residents said electricity access will transform their lives by powering homes, schools, and small businesses. Similar excitement was witnessed in Nyunzu, Muvau/Kikumini Ward, where a project worth Sh9.3 million was unveiled.

County Executive for Infrastructure, Roads, and Energy Eng. Peter Mumo said the initiative fulfills Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s pledge to expand energy access and drive local development.

Launches have so far been conducted in Masongaleni and Kukumbulyu South.

Other wards lined up for launch include Kithungo/Kitundu, Kasikeu, Kako/Waia, Kalawa,Ukia,

Kee, and Tulimani wards.

Through the electrification drive, Makueni aims to stimulate business and improve social-economic growth.