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Energy

MAKUENI AND BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN MAKUENI COUNTY.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday hosted  a British High Commission delegation led by Daniel Wilcox, the Economic Counsellor at the High Commission, who paid him a courtesy call in Makueni 

The team discussed modalities of joint resource mobilization to promote innovative renewable energy technologies and the transition from grid-powered to solar-powered systems within Makueni County.

One of the identified areas of partnership is setting up a state-of-the-art County Energy Center in Kisingo Technical Training Institute to serve the county and country at large.

The UK PACT team, county officials for Energy & Environment visited Makueni County Referral Hospital to inspect ongoing installation of solar panels that will enable 100% reliance on solar power. This project which is jointly funded by the UK in collaboration with the county government will generate 200 kilowatts and is expected to save power costs for the hospital by Sh 7 million annually.

MAKUENI COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL SWITCHES TO SOLAR POWER

By June 2024, Makueni County Referral Hospital will run on solar energy, guaranteeing patients uninterrupted health services even when there are grid electricity power outages.

Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi on Tuesday launched the solar installation project at the referral hospital hoping to harness 200 Kilowatts at peak working capacity and supplement the grid electricity which is at times unreliable due to outages.

Naomi says this project will save the hospital an estimated Ksh 7 million in annual electricity expenditures.

This project will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions while promoting a greener future through investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Successful implementation will also pave way for replication in other county strategic installations.

MAKUENI COUNTY EXPLORES RENEWABLE ENERGY COLLABORATION WITH BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday met a high powered delegation from the British High Commission Office to discuss potential collaborations and funding opportunities for renewable energy projects in Makueni County.

The discussions highlighted several areas of cooperation, including:

Establishing an enabling environment for renewable energy projects;

Capacity-building initiatives for local administrators in renewable energy management

Resource mobilization for innovative renewable energy technologies and

Transitioning grid-powered projects to solar-powered systems.

Robina Abuya from the British High Commission who led the delegation to Makueni detailed prospective grant programs aimed at supporting these initiatives. She emphasized the importance of accessing international development funds for clean energy, which can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and stimulate economic growth.

MUTWEAMBOO, KASIKEU WARD, THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI IS SPEARHEADING AN EFFORT TO CONSTRUCT AN KSH. 11-MILLION DRIFT

In Mutweamboo, Kasikeu ward, the County Government of Makueni is spearheading an effort to construct an Ksh. 11-million drift, involving individuals of all demographics.

This project is intended to connect remote villages like Mutweamboo, Kwandiki, Lumu, and Enguli to Kasikeu town and the Mombasa Highway, facilitating access to vital services such as markets, administrative offices, and healthcare facilities.

Expected to open the local economy upon completion, the CECM Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni further disclosed a budget of Ksh 28 million designated for road repair and maintenance in the ward this fiscal year.

The project will encompass contracted works, County Government equipment deployment, and labor-based initiatives, empowering the community and fostering sustainable development.

MAKUENI COUNTY PARTNERS WITH STRATHMORE UNIVERSITY AND WRI FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

In a bid to foster sustainable energy development, Makueni County has joined forces with Strathmore University and WRI in an energy training collaboration. Spearheaded by the Housing and Energy Directorate, the collaborative workshop aimed at bolstering energy-saving initiatives across various government departments, marking a significant leap towards sustainable energy development.

The workshop convened teams from health, energy, agriculture, and water departments for an in-depth exploration of energy management strategies. Spearheaded by Housing and Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, the training emphasized the pivotal role of energy conservation in the county.

Eng. Nthambi shed light on the Makueni County Energy Plan and ongoing pilot projects geared towards enhancing energy efficiency. Participants delved into crucial topics such as Energy Management Regulations and Appliance Energy Performance during interactive discussions.

Expanding its reach, the workshop included a specialized session for Technical Working Group and Facility Managers, who actively delved into practical implementation strategies for energy management county-wide.

Key takeaways from facility managers highlighted the importance of finalizing the Energy Planning Process, establishing Facility-Level Energy Management Teams, and fostering communication and collaboration among teams. The discussion also stressed the significance of implementing mechanisms for Monitoring, Control, and Reporting, alongside regular policy reviews to adapt to evolving energy management practices.

Covering practical aspects including Energy Management Systems and Lighting Systems, this collaborative effort underscores Makueni County’s steadfast commitment to forging a sustainable future through informed energy practices.

MAKUENI COUNTY GOVERNMENT SIGNS A COLLABORATIVE FRAMEWORK WITH REREC

Today, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and REREC CEO Dr. Rose Mkalama signed a collaboration aimed at enhancing rural electricity accessibility, renewable energy and clean cooking.

The partnership, focusing on a holistic electrification effort, seeks to benefit approximately 624 households across the county, with a pivotal Kshs. 30 Million matching grant from the County Government.

“This fund is dedicated to uplifting households and institutions in the 2023/24 fiscal year, promising improved living standards and economic growth through enhanced access to electricity,” affirmed Governor Mutula.

Kicking off this transformative initiative, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and CEO Dr. Mkalama commissioned the Kako Waia CBO Warehouse electrification scheme in Mbooni Sub-County. Connecting 54 households, the project stands as a symbol of progress and connectivity in the community, marking the shared commitment of the County Government and REREC Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Corporation – Kenya to address the crucial need for electricity in underserved areas.

VALIDATION OF MAKUENI COUNTY ENERGY PLAN

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing, and Energy, in collaboration with Strathmore University and WRI, organized a 3-day County Energy Plan Validation workshop at Kusyombunguo Hotel, Wote, from December 6th to 8th, 2023. Led by CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, the workshop focused on Energy Access to affordable, sustainable, and clean energy, productive use of energy, clean cooking technologies and sustainable bioenergy.

On the first day, the sensitization and validation of the County Energy Plan by the Members of the County Assembly.

The second day featured the presentation of the draft CEP to the cabinet under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, for their input and validation.

On the third day, Ward administrators were sensitized on the upcoming County Energy Plan and received a briefing on public engagement strategies and the promotion of green and renewable energy.

This workshop signifies a forward-looking approach to sustainable energy in Makueni County. The Makueni County Energy Plan is the 4th of its kind in Kenya, guided by the Integrated National Planning Framework.

ENERGY DIRECTORATE CONCLUDES  INNOVATIVE ENERGY PLAN DEVELOPMENT

Makueni County Government  in collaboration with Strathmore University (SU) and the World Resource Institute (WRI) has successfully concluded a three-day workshop aimed at shaping the County Energy Plan. This partnership brings together governmental insight, academic expertise from Strathmore University, and the global perspective on sustainable development provided by WRI.

The workshop launched by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi at Kusyombunguo Wote, emphasized the pivotal role of energy in daily life. Dr. Kyambi stressed the significance in powering homes, fueling industries, and propelling progress. He stated that there was a need for a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy that would meet the current County energy needs and lay a foundation for a resilient and sustainable future. He further urged stakeholders to promote the use of renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental degradation.

The workshop delved into critical topics including Bioenergy Findings and Interventions, Energy Access Findings, Electricity Modeling Scenarios, Clean Cooking Modeling, Energy Efficiency and Conservations Findings, and Cross-Cutting Issues with a focus on Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The collaboration between the Energy Directorate, Strathmore University, and WRI promises a forward-thinking, comprehensive, and implementable energy plan for the sustainable development of Makueni County.

The three-day workshop agenda included project confirmations on the first day, validation sessions for the technical working group, departmental directors, and policy makers on the second day, and a final validation session with 30 community members from various wards on the third day.

RENEWABLE ENERGY BENCHMARK TO KITUI

In a cutting-edge educational program on renewable energy knowledge, the Government of Makueni County through the Energy Directorate led 30 Ward Energy Champions(WECs) drawn from the 30 wards on a 2- day benchmarking visit to Kitui County. 

The benchmarking program led by CECM Infrastructure, Transport , Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni was aimed at equipping the WECs with the latest insights and skills needed to thrive in the evolving green energy sector. Amongst the centers visited are:

1. Kitui Energy Center where WECs learnt about quality and affordable renewable energy technologies e.g green energy, Bio-gas, Solar, wood fuel and cook stove

2. Kenya Water Institute, Kitui Campus.

3. Briquette making machine.

In a bid to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application, the educational program aimed at shaping the Makueni County’s future on renewable and sustainable energy solutions. 

#RenewableEnergy #EducationForChange