The County Government of Nakuru has commissioned a street lighting project along a 12-kilometre stretch as part of its ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and support local economic growth.
According to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Infrastructure Engineer Michael Kamau, the project, which also involves the installation of solar-powered streetlights, is aimed at enhancing security, extending business hours, and improving the overall quality of life for residents in the area.
Engineer Kamau said the newly installed 500 streetlights span from the Njoro Interchange towards Barnabas, cutting across Menengai East, London, Shabab, Biashara, and Nakuru East wards.
The CECM indicated that the street lighting project was part of a broader initiative by Governor Susan Kihika’s administration to improve infrastructure and promote economic activity in the region.
The county government, he said, was collaborating with various stakeholders, including utility companies and other government agencies, to ensure the sustainability of the project.
Eng. Kamau said they were confident that the project would restore the vibrancy of Nakuru City by addressing rising insecurity and reducing accidents by improving visibility on the roads, adding that the project was seeking to improve security in public spaces to enable all businesses to operate for longer hours, contributing to a more vibrant economy.
The CECM pledged to ensure the success of the initiative, saying that the county government was working with organizations like Kenya Power, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and others to coordinate the project and address potential challenges like high electricity bills.
Beyond security and business, Eng. Kamau said the project is expected to enhance the overall quality of life for residents and improve the county’s attractiveness as a tourist destination and economic hub.
The County official hailed a team of engineers and contractors who ensured timely and quality delivery of the lighting works.
“We will continue expanding the street lighting program to other areas, reinforcing our efforts of making Nakuru a safer and more liveable city for all,” he promised.
Engineer Kamau emphasized the importance of community ownership in discouraging vandalism of the lightings, adding that the county government was seeking support from members of the public in safeguarding equipment that serves them through community policing and by reporting vandalism suspects to the police.
While saying that the County government’s goal was to facilitate the provision of sustainable, efficient and effective public lighting in all the 11 Sub-Counties, Eng. Kamau said the initiative reflects the county’s commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.
The official said supporting Nakuru communities requires a multifaceted approach that not only addresses immediate infrastructure needs but also promotes long-term social and economic integration.
By Esther Mwangi
