Energy

MAKUENI’S NEW ENERGY POLICY LIGHTS THE WAY FOR CLEAN, RELIABLE ACCESS

Makueni County has launched an ambitious new energy policy that aims to deliver clean, affordable, and reliable power to homes, schools, health centers, and business across its six sub-counties, cementing its place as a national leader in Kenya’s green energy transition.

Unveiled Tuesday in Wote by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the Energy Policy 2025 builds on a string of successful projects, including 44 solar installations, expanded electricity grid access, and the county’s first clean cooking pilot.

The policy follows the Makueni County Energy Plan 2023–2032, already delivering impact across health, water, agriculture, trade, and gender sectors. In FY 2024/25 alone, the county invested KES 99.38 million in solar energy.

Over 60 market centers have been fitted with solar streetlights, while five towns now boast high-mast floodlights, which has enhanced security and extended trading hours.

The new policy was developed in collaboration with UK PACT, Strathmore University, World Resources Institute, and Just Energy Transition Africa.

The British High Commission to Kenya, through representative Dan Wilcox, called Makueni’s efforts “trailblazing.” Prof. Izael Da Silva of Strathmore University urged the national government to follow suit, calling energy access a driver of GDP growth.

Dr. Rebekah Shirley of the World Resources Institute praised Makueni for crafting energy solutions tailored to local needs.

TOWARDS A UNIVERSAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS IN MAKUENI

Makueni County is today launching its landmark Energy Policy, a framework guiding the realization of universal access to electricity and clean cooking technologies. The aim is to increase electricity coverage and access from the current 29 percent and 17 percent use of clean cooking solutions.

The launch is graced by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Dan Wilcox– Economic Counsellor and Head of Prosperity and Climate at the British High Commission, representatives of the World Resources Institute, Strathmore University, Just Energy Transition Africa and UK-PACT

MAKUENI TO SHOWCASE CLIMATE-SMART INNOVATIONS.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr today met with a technical team to review preparations for the Timbuktoo Green Future Hackathon, where Makueni is one of five pilot counties selected to showcase climate-smart innovations. The October 2025 event, led by Konza Technopolis, UNDP, and partners, seeks to empower youth-driven solutions to climate change.

Launched in December 2024 by President William Ruto, the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub aims to support 10,000 African startups over the next decade, focusing on renewable energy, climate adaptation, and waste management. Makueni has formed a multi-sectoral team to coordinate participation.

Governor Kilonzo said the initiative will position Makueni as a hub for green innovation, with plans to mobilize startups, identify climate challenges, and incubate winning solutions.

MAKUENI’S SOLAR REVOLUTION SHINES BRIGHT AT DAY 3 OF DEVOLUTION CONFERENCE

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.

NO MORE DARK NIGHTS IN KITONGU MARKET!

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 MOVES TOWARDS GREEN FUTURE WITH ENERGY POLICY VALIDATION

The County Energy Directorate in collaboration with Strathmore University and the World Resources Institute, on Wednesday hosted a validation meeting for the draft Makueni Energy Policy.

The session brought together members of the County Executive Committee to review and strengthen the policy framework.

Anchored in the Energy Act 2019 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the policy is set to guide the county in planning, regulating and rolling out sustainable energy initiatives.

Its goal is to ensure all residents have access to modern energy that is sustainable, affordable, reliable and secure.

Present at the validation meeting were CECMs Eng. Peter Mumo (Transport and Energy), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Eng. John Kieti (Water), Dr. Sonia Nzilani (Trade), County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa and Chief Officer for Energy Eng. Naomi Nthambi.

MAKUENI COUNTY CHARTS NEW ENERGY FUTURE THROUGH INNOVATIVE POLICY

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 RESIDENTS CONTINUE INPUT ON DRAFT COUNTY ENERGY POLICY – DAY 2

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 BEGIN VALIDATION OF DRAFT 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 INCHES CLOSER TO FINALIZING COUNTY ENERGY POLICY

Makueni County, through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy, is one step away from finalizing its energy policy— a framework designed to promote clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions to support socio-economic development across the county.

The policy has been developed in partnership with Strathmore University, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and UK-PACT.

On Thursday 8th May 2025, the draft policy underwent validation by all relevant County Directors to ensure alignment with the county’s overall development agenda. The forum was chaired by Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi and attended by Environment Chief Officer Dr. Geoffrey Muthoka.

The draft will next be reviewed by the Chief Officers, County Executive Committee, County Assembly and Community before its official launch.