Kilifi County Government through the Department of Lands, Energy, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development has launched a high-up vehicle that will help in lowering electricity and fuel usage in the county.
The high-up vehicle, acquired at a cost of Sh16 million marks a significant stride towards ensuring the efficiency of public street-lighting across Kilifi.
Addressing the media during the flagging off of the vehicle, Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro stated that the initiative aligns with the National Energy Policy 2018 which underscores energy as a cornerstone for realizing Kenya’s Vision 2030.
He said that the installation and maintenance of public street lighting is essential for enhancing business activities, security, and revenue generation in the county.
“The public street lighting has seen a tremendous improvement in business activities, security, and expansion of the revenue resource base for Kilifi. This has resulted in increased working hours in the business community, hence building a 24-hour economy,” Mung’aro said.
He pointed out that proper maintenance of public lighting infrastructure ensures that street lighting systems and high mast floodlights are preserved for as long as possible and the original conditions of the system are sustained while compensating for normal wear and tear.
Governor Mung’aro highlighted the benefits of purchasing a high-up vehicle as cost reduction in maintenance and the elimination of expensive framework agreements with prequalified contractors, among others.
“The high-up vehicle will also facilitate the county’s ability to respond promptly to emergency situations, such as power outages, thereby ensuring continuous and reliable public lighting,” the Governor added.
Governor Mung’aro further stated that the improved maintenance capabilities would save the county up to approximately Sh100,000 per day, previously spent on leasing and maintenance of vehicles hired from the private sector.
The Governor concluded his address by reaffirming his commitment to a sustainable energy supply and its role in economic growth and poverty reduction.
By Cynthia Maseno and Christine Akoth
