Kiambu: The Angaza Kiambu project has completed its first phase, successfully installing solar street lighting across 60 wards. This initiative was launched to reduce the county's annual electricity expenditures and align with sustainable development goals focused on affordable and clean energy, as well as climate change mitigation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the first phase included installations in Limuru, Githunguri, Juja, Ruiru, and Kiambu sub-counties, with the second phase of the program set to be rolled out soon. Governor Kimani Wamatangi stated that the Sh400 million Angaza Kiambu program aims to install 10,000 solar street lights in three phases, with the ultimate goal of transforming Kiambu County into the first green region.
James Gicheru, a food vendor from Lari, expressed that the new solar lights have significantly impacted residents' lives by improving their quality of life, enhancing security, and extending business hours. "We are very happy that now we can operate for longer hours with more freedom, and we don't have to worry about our safety and fear of roaming wild animals is no longer an issue. There is still a long way to go, but we are happy about this progress," he said.
The Chief Officer of Public Works and Utilities, Virginia Kahonge, highlighted that solar streetlights have a lifespan of 20 years compared to grid-connected lights, which last for a maximum of 5 years. She noted that solar lights are less prone to vandalism and insect swarming, and they offer reliability, efficiency, and minimal maintenance costs.
The county incurs an estimated annual power bill of over Sh1.4 billion due to its 120 hospitals, 19,000 streetlights, county offices, and fire stations. The administration plans to allocate the savings from the solar project to other infrastructural development projects throughout the county.