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Energy

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES RURAL ELECTRIFICATION DRIVE IN KAKO-WAIA AND KALAWA WARDS

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.

SH4.5 MILLION SOLAR-POWERED HIGH MAST TO ILLUMINATE MASUMBA MARKET

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.

SH4.5 MILLION SOLAR-POWERED HIGH MAST TO ILLUMINATE UTANGWA MARKET.

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.

JOY LIGHTS UP MAKUENI COUNTY AS SH80 MILLION MATCHING FUND ELECTRIFICATION PROJECTS KICKS OFF

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.

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.