Nyeri Governor, Dr. Mutahi Kahiga, has commended the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri for investing in clean energy.
Dr. Kahiga said such efforts will not only lead to more sustainable and cheaper sources of power but also help in improving the livelihoods and environment for rural communities.
He lauded the Church for opening up a solar energy plant at Consolata Mathari Hospital early this year, which is expected to supply 70 per cent of the hospital’s power needs.
He made the remarks after meeting the Archbishop of Nyeri, Rev. Anthony Muheria, who had paid him a courtesy call at his County Hall office.
“During our discussions, the Archbishop expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the County Government of Nyeri to the Archdiocese of Nyeri. He particularly conveyed his gratitude for our support towards the commissioning of the Seeds of Energy Solar Plant at Consolata Mathari Hospital, which was launched in April 2026. The project is now operational, with solar energy meeting an impressive 70 per cent of the hospital’s power requirements,” posted Dr. Kahiga on his Facebook page.
“This is a commendable step towards embracing renewable energy, reducing reliance on conventional sources of power, and promoting sustainable development. Indeed, clean energy is the way to go.”
The Governor has similarly pledged his government’s support for the construction of a solar-powered Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre (GHIC) project, which is being undertaken by the Diocese for purposes of producing ammonia fertilizer and homoeopathic oxygen.
The project is designed to produce approximately 56.8 million liters of green ammonia fertilizer annually, and about 56.7 million liters of medical oxygen annually is sufficient to meet the fertilizer requirements for the 825 acres of Arabica coffee farm surrounding nearby.
“We also discussed a number of initiatives being undertaken by the Archdiocese of Nyeri, where collaboration and support from the County Government would be valuable. Among these is the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, whose groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 1, 2026, under the theme “Harnessing Renewable Energy to Produce Green Ammonia and Medical Oxygen.” The Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre seeks to harness renewable energy to produce green hydrogen, which will support the production of green ammonia-based fertilizer as well as oxygen for purification and medical use,” he added.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project at the Nyeri Hill Farm on September 1, Archbishop Muheria said the plant will significantly reduce the cost of sourcing oxygen for Consolata Hospital Mathari, which costs the facility up to Sh3 million every month.
He described the project as a demonstration of the Catholic Church’s commitment to environmental stewardship by implementing practical solutions to climate change.
Archbishop Muheria noted that the initiative is also reflecting the church’s commitment to caring for creation while embracing technology that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“We have initiated one of the most innovative projects, which shows the collaboration of the Catholic Church and other players in order to address the issue of climate change and the stewardship of the environment,” Archbishop Muheria said.
“We believe that the mandate of Christ to care for creation included not only the animals and vegetables and forests. It gives us a mandate to enter into the effective engagement to reduce the climate change problem that we have and so this is one of the 360-degree responses that was implemented in order to bring a lot of new technology into care for the environment and using what God has blessed us with,” he added.
The facility will comprise a 550-kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic plant, an Anion Exchange Membrane electrolyzer, green ammonia production facilities, and a medical oxygen production facility, according to the project’s technical committee Engineer Joseph Njoroge.
The plant will also incorporate a battery and hydrogen storage system.
“The concept behind the project is both innovative and practical. The sun that shines on Nyeri Hill can help us grow food and coffee, reduce dependence on imported agricultural inputs, support a patient who needs oxygen, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build new technical capabilities for our young people. That is what makes this project very unique and very special,” noted Engineer Njoroge.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Energy, Alex Wachira, who was present during the groundbreaking ceremony, described the project as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to move its green hydrogen agenda from policy to practical implementation.
He said, apart from addressing challenges in agriculture and healthcare, the project could potentially revolutionize the renewable energy sector in the country.
“This project is an important milestone for Kenya. We are living towards a very decisive transformation of the global energy landscape, driven by the transition from fossil fuel systems towards green and low-carbon energy. This transformation is being shaped not only by climate imperatives and technology advancements but also by the growing importance of energy security, resilience, and economic competence,” Wachira said.
He noted that Kenya is well positioned to benefit from the emerging green hydrogen industry because more than 90 per cent of the country’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, principally geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar.
Wachira said green hydrogen and its derivatives, including green ammonia, could help Kenya reduce its dependence on imported agricultural inputs while creating opportunities for industrialization, investment, exports, skills development, and employment.
By Samuel Maina
