Nandi County Government has signed a partnership with KCB Bank, Kenya, to solarize public institutions in a major push to cut energy costs and promote clean, reliable power in schools and health facilities.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will facilitate the financing, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems across county-managed institutions, including hospitals, schools, and other public facilities.
Speaking during the signing, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said the initiative will enhance service delivery while advancing climate-smart development.
“We have signed an MoU between the County Government of Nandi and KCB Bank Kenya Limited to support the solarization of county health facilities, educational institutions, and other county-managed establishments,” said Sang.
He noted that the programme will be implemented through structured asset-based financing, informed by energy audits and assessments to determine the most suitable solutions for each institution.
Under the agreement, the County Government and KCB will jointly conduct preliminary screening of facilities based on historical power consumption, followed by detailed site assessments before installation.
Anastancia Kimutai, KCB Kenya Managing Director said the bank’s clean energy financing solution is designed to support institutions transition to sustainable energy sources such as solar power, steam, LPG, and biogas systems.
She noted that the initiative will help reduce reliance on the national grid and expensive diesel generators while lowering operational costs.
The Managing Director stated that the project will also reduce deforestation by eliminating firewood in schools and support Kenya’s goal of achieving a low carbon economy.
“Solar installation in schools is expected to enhance energy reliability, reduce operational costs and lower the institutions carbon footprint and demonstrate how renewable energy solutions can strengthen resilience in learning environment while contributing to Kenya’s broader climate commitments,” she said
Ms Kimutai added that KCB aims to solarize 246 public TVET institutions by June 2026, creating “living labs” for training students in renewable energy.
Nandi Deputy Governor Yulita Mitei welcomed the partnership, terming it a milestone for the county.
“We are excited to be the first county to sign this MoU. By the end of June, we expect to have implemented phase one of the project,” she said.
The programme targets at least 100 institutions in Nandi, with a broader plan to reach over 3,000 secondary schools nationally, ensuring continuity in learning and supporting digital transformation.
The project is also expected to enable institutions to generate additional income through carbon credits while contributing to environmental conservation.
All installations will be backed by equipment warranties and long-term maintenance agreements to ensure reliability and sustainability.
The partnership positions Nandi among counties leading in the adoption of clean energy solutions in public institutions
By Linet Wafula
