Due to growing concerns about the high cost of electricity for grid-powered street lighting, counties are increasingly turning to solar energy streetlights as a more affordable solution. In Kiambu County, Governor Kimani Wamatangi has launched the “Angaza Kiambu” initiative, completing the first phase of solar streetlight installation across all 60 wards. So far, the county has installed 6,000 solar-powered lights. Aiming to fully eliminate reliance on the national grid for street lighting by 2026, the governor has halted any further installation of grid-connected lights.
As part of a two-phase rollout, an additional 8,000 solar lights are expected to be installed by the end of this year. Governor Wamatangi noted that the shift is driven by the county’s rising electricity bills and high maintenance costs, which have reached an average of Sh300 million annually for street lighting alone. By adopting solar solutions, the county aims to save resources that can instead support development priorities. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which promotes access to clean and affordable energy, and contributes to climate change mitigation efforts.
The financial burden of electricity has been a persistent issue in Kiambu, sometimes resulting in power disconnections due to unpaid bills. According to Eng. Virginia Kahonge, head of public works and utilities, Kiambu currently operates 19,621 grid-powered lamps, contributing to an annual expense of approximately Sh260 million, in addition to Sh50 million in regular maintenance. She added that county facilities such as administrative offices and fire stations incur Sh1.7 million monthly in electricity charges, while county hospitals consume over Sh1.2 billion each year. Water agencies in the county also spend about Sh200 million annually on electricity, which she described as unsustainable.
Kahonge pointed out that solar systems are cost-effective in the long term, requiring minimal maintenance and no ongoing monthly payments. The switch will lead to considerable cost savings and allow funds to be redirected to projects that benefit residents more directly. She also noted that solar streetlights can function for as long as 20 years, which is significantly longer than the average five-year service life of those connected to the electricity grid. Governor Wamatangi has also ordered a gradual transition to solar power for all public facilities, including hospitals, water infrastructure, and government offices.
In contrast, Nyeri County faced scrutiny from the Auditor General for spending close to Sh100 million on grid-powered street lighting in the last financial year. The Auditor General warned that continued reliance on grid power could lead to future financial strain and potential power cuts due to unpaid bills.
