President William Ruto has unveiled a KSh45 billion programme to solarize 3,200 schools across Kenya, describing it as a landmark step in clean energy adoption and environmental conservation.
Speaking on Sunday during the centenary celebrations of Alliance High School in Kikuyu Constituency, the President said the initiative will transition learning institutions from reliance on firewood and other non-renewable sources to solar power for cooking, lighting, and other energy needs. He termed the project “significant and consequential,” noting its potential to transform both education and sustainability.
The programme is being implemented jointly by the Ministries of Education and Energy in partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).
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Ruto lauded the bank for extending financial support at favourable terms, including a credit facility with a 30 per cent discount, to make the rollout possible. “It is not always easy to negotiate with banks. KCB has extended a facility that will enable us to solarize our schools and reduce carbon emissions,” he said.
According to the President, a pilot phase covering 266 schools has already been completed successfully, paving the way for nationwide implementation.
“With the pilot project complete, we are now going to roll out the programme. In the next one year or so, we should have solarized all our schools,” he stated.
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The solar project is expected to generate up to 780 megawatts of electricity, significantly boosting Kenya’s renewable energy capacity while lowering operational costs for schools. Ruto also addressed concerns about excess power generated during school holidays, directing the Ministry of Energy to ensure the electricity is purchased and fed into the national grid. “My instructions to the Ministry of Energy is that you buy that electricity even if it is at a discount,” he said.
Ruto emphasized that the programme aligns with Kenya’s broader commitment to climate action, forest conservation, and sustainable development. He noted that many schools currently depend on firewood for cooking, contributing to deforestation, and said the solar initiative will help reverse that trend.
By Masaki Enock
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