Kiambu mulls solar power to cut high electricity costs
By Oliver Musembi, September 18, 2023Kiambu county government intends to install solar lighting systems to save on electricity bills amounting to Sh1.7 billion yearly.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi says the county gets a monthly electricity bill of Sh142 million (which translates to Sh1.7 billion annually) for street lighting and it could soon reach Sh200 million a month due to rising power tariffs.
“The county government will now invest in solar energy and I have issued a directive that all new street lighting projects be solar-oriented to save on the money we are paying for electricity. If the trend continues we shall no longer be able to pay our electricity bills,” said the governor.
He spoke while groundbreaking the construction of a new level 3 hospital in Kahawa Sukari Ward, Ruiru sub county which will cost Sh50 million.
Wamatangi who was accompanied by area ward representative Kennedy Odhiambo said his administration has kicked off construction of 13 new level 3 hospitals across the county at a total cost of Sh650 million in a bid to enhance healthcare services.