The government has signed a partnership with KCB Group to install solar power in schools across the country beginning May, in a move aimed at cutting energy costs and improving learning conditions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on April 2 at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), brings together the State Department for Basic Education and the lender to accelerate adoption of clean energy in educational institutions.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the programme builds on a pilot phase conducted in 266 schools, which helped the ministry identify gaps and refine strategies ahead of the national rollout.
“The pilot helped us understand what works and what needs improvement, giving us the confidence to scale up effectively,” Bitok explained.
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The solarization initiative is expected to provide schools with clean, reliable, and cost‑effective energy, reducing electricity expenses while improving the overall learning environment, particularly in senior schools where power demand is high.
Under the first phase set to begin in May, at least 3,213 institutions will benefit. In the long term, the programme targets more than 9,600 senior schools nationwide, forming part of a broader plan to transition the education sector to sustainable energy.
KCB Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai, said the partnership underscores the growing collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing challenges in education. She noted that the initiative reflects a wider push for green energy solutions to support national development.
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The Ministry of Education emphasized that the rollout will not only reduce operational costs but also enhance learning conditions by ensuring uninterrupted power supply in schools. Officials added that the programme aligns with Kenya’s broader climate action agenda and commitment to renewable energy adoption.
By Masaki Enock
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