BY ANNEGRACE NJOKI

Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi has operationalised the solarization streetlighting in efforts to cut the huge power bills that have jeopardised the county’s development.

The County spends over a billion shillings on power bills annually, and the adoption of renewable energy is a strategic move, which will offer a massive relief to the county funds.

The move has also brightened the life of the residents who boast of enhanced security, increased business hours, and because of the deliberate attempt to cut the funding towards lighting.

The KES 400 million solar project, actualized in three phases, will include the solarization of the street lights across the county, and/or transitioning county-run hospitals from the national grid to solar, and also county offices.

“The residents of Kiambu have reported enhanced security, and extended business hours because of the solar lights. The non-reliance on the grid also rids the wards from constant blackouts, says Governor Wamatangi.

Governor Kimani Wamatangi Solar streetlighting in Kiambu Municipality

The street lighting program dubbed Angaza Kiambu will save county funds through a low maintenance cost, and their dependency on the naturally available sun and light. The solar lights are also more durable.

“The solar project aligns with the SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy,” said Governor Wamatangi. He was optimistic that Kiambu County could be the first in the region to go green, which was a measurable action towards climate change mitigation.

Solar streetlighting Kiambu Municipality

County Climate Change Director Ms. Esther Kaguima noted that the project was strategic in efforts to reduce carbon emissions across the globe.

The first phase included the installation and launch in Limuru, Githunguri, Juja, Ruiru, and Kiambu sub-counties. The residents lauded the county’s efforts to improve the business environment and also enhance security.

Peter Wakaba from Juja, Malaba area, said that the solar lights would help keep at bay wild animals, like the hyenas, which roamed the wards especially when darkness fell.

“It has been unsafe walking and working in the dark, particularly with the hyenas roaming around. This solar initiative is enhancing security and we can now extend our business hours,” he added.

Utilities Chief Officer Ms. Virginia Kahonge added that the project would enhance efficiency as the constant disruptions on the national grid due to owed bills would reduce. “While we are gradually moving towards solar energy, the power cuts due to unsustainable power bills will be a thing of the past,” she noted.