President William Ruto has launched a Sh45 billion programme to install solar power systems in 3,200 schools across Kenya, marking one of the most ambitious clean energy transitions in the education sector.
Speaking during the 100-year celebrations of Alliance High School in Kikuyu, the Head of State described the initiative as a bold step toward clean energy adoption and environmental conservation. He said the project will move learning institutions away from reliance on firewood and other non-renewable energy sources to solar power for cooking, lighting, and other operational needs.
Ruto commended the bank for extending what he termed a favourable credit facility, including a 30 per cent discount, to support the nationwide rollout.
“It is not always easy to negotiate with financial institutions, but KCB has stepped forward to make this possible,” the President noted.
The solar installations are expected to generate up to 780 megawatts of electricity, significantly boosting Kenya’s renewable energy capacity while lowering operational costs for schools.
The move, he said, will prevent waste while contributing to national energy supply.
By transitioning to solar energy, the government hopes to:
During the event, Ruto reiterated that education remains central to Kenya’s national transformation. Drawing from engagements with leaders in Singapore and Malaysia, he said Kenya has the potential to match developed nations through strategic investments in education and innovation.
Among leaders present were Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, and Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.
If implemented as outlined, the Sh45 billion programme could significantly reshape how Kenyan schools consume energy — positioning them at the heart of the country’s clean energy transition.
Source: The Star News
Speaking during the 100-year celebrations of Alliance High School in Kikuyu, the Head of State described the initiative as a bold step toward clean energy adoption and environmental conservation. He said the project will move learning institutions away from reliance on firewood and other non-renewable energy sources to solar power for cooking, lighting, and other operational needs.
Joint Government–Private Sector Effort
The programme is being jointly implemented by the Ministries of Education and Energy in partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).Ruto commended the bank for extending what he termed a favourable credit facility, including a 30 per cent discount, to support the nationwide rollout.
“It is not always easy to negotiate with financial institutions, but KCB has stepped forward to make this possible,” the President noted.
Pilot Phase Completed
According to Ruto, a pilot phase involving 266 schools has already been completed successfully. The government now plans to scale up implementation across the country within the next year.The solar installations are expected to generate up to 780 megawatts of electricity, significantly boosting Kenya’s renewable energy capacity while lowering operational costs for schools.
Addressing Surplus Power Concerns
Anticipating concerns about excess electricity during school holidays, the President directed the Ministry of Energy to ensure surplus power is purchased and fed into the national grid, even if at discounted rates.The move, he said, will prevent waste while contributing to national energy supply.
Climate Commitments and Deforestation
Ruto emphasised that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s climate commitments and broader environmental goals. Many schools, particularly boarding institutions, still rely heavily on firewood for cooking — a practice linked to deforestation and environmental degradation.By transitioning to solar energy, the government hopes to:
- Reduce pressure on forests
- Lower energy costs in schools
- Promote sustainable practices among learners
- Strengthen Kenya’s renewable energy portfolio
Education as a Transformation Tool
The announcement came during the centenary celebrations marking 100 years since Alliance High School was founded in 1926 by Protestant missionaries led by Reverend John William Arthur.During the event, Ruto reiterated that education remains central to Kenya’s national transformation. Drawing from engagements with leaders in Singapore and Malaysia, he said Kenya has the potential to match developed nations through strategic investments in education and innovation.
Among leaders present were Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, and Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.
If implemented as outlined, the Sh45 billion programme could significantly reshape how Kenyan schools consume energy — positioning them at the heart of the country’s clean energy transition.
Source: The Star News