Kilifi County is positioning itself as a national leader in renewable energy, with Governor Gideon Mung’aro announcing that his administration has established a strong foundation for long-term investment in clean power.
“We’ve already added approximately 43.5 megawatts to the national electricity grid through solar-powered projects implemented by various stakeholders within the county,” he said.
The governor said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Malindi Sub County Administrator, Juliet Mapenzi Ruwa, during the Mashujaa Day clebrations held at the Gede Comprehensive School in Malindi division.
Among the projects touted is the 40-megawatt Baolala solar power project, the Kilifi Plantation biogas plant that produces 1 megawatt and the 2.5-megawatt rooftop solar power project at the Mabati Rolling Mills in Mariakani.
We have established a strong base for renewable energy investment. The Baolala solar project generates 40 megawatts, the Kilifi Plantation biogas plant produces 1 megawatt, and the rooftop solar power (Mabati Rolling Mills) generates 2.5 megawatts,” said Mung’aro.
The governor added that through the Angaza Project, over 400 solar-powered streetlights have been installed in towns and villages across the county to enhance security and improve livelihoods.
Mung’aro said that access to clean and safe water had risen by 68 percent, following the construction of new pipelines, boreholes, and storage tanks, a development that he said had attracted major investors to the region.
In the health sector, Mung’aro said his administration had completed and opened eight dispensaries that had stalled for years, in addition to upgrading Mtwapa, Marafa, and Rabai health centres to Level 4 hospitals.
The governor said the county administration had also invested in modern diagnostic technology, including a 64-slice CT scanner, digital X-ray machines, and a dialysis centre at the Kilifi County Referral Hospital.
“We have invested in modern medical technology and completed key hospital upgrades to ensure quality healthcare for all residents,” he stated.
At the Malindi County Referral Hospital, a new maternity ward and theatre are under construction to improve maternal and child healthcare. The facility is also undergoing expansion to meet growing health demands.
“To enhance emergency response, the county has established a fully equipped emergency unit with ambulances and trained medical personnel,” Mung’aro added.
He also highlighted the success of the Blue Economy Project, supported by the World Bank and the National Government, which has benefited over 261 community groups.
The governor said that under the program, 96 modern boats and 700 refrigerators had been procured with over 100 seafarers receiving training.
In addition, 2,000 Galla goats, 12,000 chicks, and 400 beehives have been distributed to support local livelihoods.
Mung’aro said the county government has also collaborated with the National Government, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the European Union, and had resolved numerous land disputes, surveyed over 23,000 acres in Kaya Fungo and 1,500 acres in Jilore, thus benefiting more than 30,000 families.
The governor said that Kilifi had positioned itself as a global hub for meetings, tourism, and culture, with ongoing efforts to expand the Malindi Airport, construct a modern sports complex, and establish the Kilifi Cultural Village.
The county, he added, had issued Sh281 million in loans to individuals and groups through the Wezesha Fund, and approved the construction of new open-air markets in Mariakani and Matsangoni in order to support local entrepreneurship,” he added.
He said that road infrastructure had also seen major progress, with the Kijiwetanga–Jakaranda Road now in its second phase and the Goshi–Madunguni Road under construction.
by Martin Mwangolo & Emmanuel Masha
