Uasin Gishu: New Solar-Powered Street Lighting Project to Transform Eldoret’s Safety and Energy Use
- Uasin Gishu has launched a $23 million solar street lighting project to boost safety, connectivity, and sustainability
- The initiative includes 20,000 smart LED lights, CCTV surveillance, and a 3MWp solar plant with advanced energy storage
- Public engagement is underway before County Assembly approval, with a 15-year Public-Private Partnership planned
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Uasin Gishu county is setting a new standard for urban development with the launch of the Eldoret City Solar-Powered Street Lighting Project.
Source: UGC
The cutting-edge initiative is aimed at transforming the city into a safer, smarter, and more energy-efficient hub.
The ambitious USD 23 million (approximately KSh 2.9 billion) project will span 15 years, starting with two years of construction and followed by 13 years of operation, maintenance, and eventual handover to the county government.
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It marks a major stride in using renewable energy and technology to enhance urban life.
Residents across Eldoret are already involved, with the county government holding public participation forums in multiple wards to gather feedback and foster community support for the project.
Details of the proposed Eldoret solar street lighting project
At its core, the project will build a 3 MWp solar power plant equipped with a 10MWh energy storage system.
This will feed a 200-kilometre underground distribution network featuring fibre optic cabling to support high-speed internet connectivity.
More than 20,000 adaptive LED streetlights will be installed, each integrated with CCTV cameras and smart controls that allow remote monitoring, adaptive lighting adjustments, and predictive maintenance, all designed to improve urban security and reduce energy waste.
Governor Jonathan Bii explained that the project fits within the seventh pillar of his administration’s development agenda, which focuses on modern infrastructure and a safer environment.
“We are keen on changing the way of life for our people and through this public-private Partnership, it will be a game changer, just as I promised before the elections. With projects like this, we are lighting up our streets, our homes, and our future. This is about making our county safer, more attractive for investment, and more liveable for our people. We will deliver,” he said.
Local residents have welcomed the initiative with optimism. Mary Sang, a resident of Kipkenyo, said she supports the project because of the numerous benefits it will bring to residents.
“This project will be key to providing security and securing our estates and villages,” added another resident, John Njoroge.
Energy County Executive Committee Member Anthony Sitienei highlighted the project's role in building a smarter, greener city.
He highlighted that the project is not just about installing lights, but also creating a city that will reduce energy costs and modernise infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on service delivery.
Chief Officer for Energy Mark Some noted the county’s growing expertise in solar energy, pointing out that the switch to solar at the county headquarters reduced electricity costs from KSh 800,000 to KSh 200,000 per month.
“This project will multiply those savings across the entire county,” he added.
How will Eldoret residents benefit from solar lighting project?
The project aims to cut public lighting costs by up to 50%, extend safe hours for business and social activities at night, reduce crime, improve road safety, and support Kenya’s environmental goals by lowering the county’s carbon footprint in line with the Nationally Determined Contributions.
Director for Energy Silas Letting described the initiative as a model blending renewable energy, ICT, and urban planning.
“From improved street safety to better internet connectivity, the benefits will be felt in every ward, setting a benchmark for other counties,” he said.
Following the completion of public consultations, the project proposal will be presented to the County Assembly for approval before the full roll-out begins.
The county plans to implement the project in partnership with Rayuton Seko Energy Ltd., a Kenya–Czech Republic joint venture bringing technical expertise and investment capacity to the table.
Source: Twitter
Did Kiambu install solar-powered streetlights?
In a related development, Kiambu county completed its shift from electricity-powered streetlights to solar-powered lighting under the Angaza Kiambu programme.
The move aimed to slash the county’s power bills, which previously reached about KSh 260 million annually for street lighting alone.
The solar lights, installed in all 60 wards since December 2024, have no monthly power costs and are expected to last at least a decade.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi had earlier banned new electricity-powered streetlight installations and ordered the replacement of existing ones.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
