The Makueni government has launched an Energy Policy 2025, aimed at delivering clean, affordable, and reliable power to homes and institutions across the county.
Area governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, speaking outside his Wote office, said the devolved government intends to implement 42 solarization projects across water, health, agriculture and trade sectors this financial year.
“The policy follows the Makueni Energy Plan 2023-2032. We have approved 42 solarization projects in water, agriculture, health and trade, where we shall spend Sh106.19 million to implement,” said Mutula while unveiling the county policy.
“This year, I have insisted that our programme with Rural Electrification and Renewal Energy Corporation (REREC) will light 52 markets in the county. This is important for us as our business centres are also revenue based and provide opportunities for the many young people and women to cater for their children,” he added.
The governor disclosed that his government has done 44 solar projects across key sectors achieving an installed capacity of approximately 810. 8 kilowatts with a budget of Sh100 million.
Among the projects implemented include 39 in water, 2 in health, one each in Trade and Gender and a rehabilitation centre in Emali/Mulala Ward.
“The solar system has so far generated 230 Kilowatts in the past year resulting in 30 percent cost saving of approximately Sh7.1 million from June 2024 to June 2025,” the governor noted.
Further, Mutula revealed that his administration has initiated a clean cooking programme on a pilot basis at Kikumbulyu South Ward.
“Our clean cooking initiative has kicked off with a pilot in Kikumbulyu South Ward, where we have distributed 255 LPG cookers, small ones for healthier and sustainable programmer,” he noted.
Over 60 market centres have been fitted with solar streetlights, while five towns now boast of high-mast floodlights, achieving 100 percent lighting coverage in all sub-counties.
“We’re seeing women sell until late, children studying under streetlights and crime dropping. That’s what energy justice looks like,” said Kilonzo.
The new policy was developed in collaboration with UK PACT, Strathmore University, World Resources Institute, and Just Energy Transition Africa.
Speaking at the same forum, a representative of the British High Commissioner to Kenya, Dan Wilcox said the United Kingdom has supported the county in solarizing Makueni county referral hospital, besides assisting in developing the Forest Landscape plan that was launched June last year.
“This partnership is grounded in shared values, community empowerment and inclusive development. We are here to support this policy,” he observed.
Addressing the same event, Prof. Izael Da Silva of Strathmore University and Dr. Rebekah Shirley of the World Resources Institute praised Makueni for crafting energy solutions tailored to local needs.
By Patrick Nyakundi
