In a move towards a sustainable future, Moi University has deepened its partnership with Kenyan engineering firm Afriwatt to launch phase two of its solar energy project.
The initiative aims to reduce the university’s electricity costs, support climate action, and enhance training and research opportunities for students.
Speaking during the launch at Moi University’s main campus in Kesses, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut said the project is a crucial part of the institution’s recovery plan amid ongoing financial constraints.
“We fully support this initiative and are privileged to launch the second phase of a project that will scale from kilowatts to megawatts in sustainable energy production,” said Prof. Kotut.
He announced that the university plans to develop a 30 MW renewable energy park to supply clean energy for campus operations, with the potential to feed excess power into the national grid. The project is expected to benefit not only the university but also the surrounding community.
Prof. Kotut emphasized that the initiative will lower electricity costs, conserve the environment, and drive sustainable development through innovative research hubs.
He also stressed the importance of forming partnerships with development and research institutions to foster the adoption of renewable energy and support climate change mitigation efforts.
He appealed to Afriwatt to consider offering internships and practical training to Moi University engineering students to build their technical skills.
Afriwatt Engineering Ltd. Executive Director Thomas Cheruiyot revealed that the project has already generated 23.12 megawatts and aims to increase power savings from 11.12% to 32.3%, while reducing dependence on the national grid by 36.9%.
“We are now advancing toward producing 5 megawatts of solar power to decarbonize every building within the institution. As a result, electricity costs are expected to significantly decrease,” Cheruiyot stated.
He added that the 57.1 kW solar PV grid-tie installation, costing Sh 4.2 million, is intended to fully power the university’s administration block and other buildings. Excess solar energy will be used to produce green hydrogen, which can be stored for future use or commercialized as a valuable industrial feedstock.
Upon the completion of Phase Two, the university plans to build a facility for hydrogen processing and ammonia production for green fertilizer. According to Cheruiyot, these processes are energy-intensive and require sustainable power sources for effective research and talent development.
The solar energy project is part of a broader initiative launched in September 2024, known as MUREPHAR (Moi University Renewable Energy Innovation Park and Green Hydrogen, Ammonia and Fertilizer Research Hub).
This initiative seeks to promote research, innovation, and sustainable development in renewable energy technologies.
“The project is also expected to improve e-learning infrastructure and ensure continuity of academic activities during power outages,” said Cheruiyot.
The solar launch comes just days after the university administration issued redundancy notices to 892 teaching staff members due to economic challenges. However, the Employment and Labour Relations Court has temporarily halted the layoffs following a petition by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU).
By Fredrick Maritim
