Makueni County Referral Hospital is expected to save Sh7 million annually after installing 200 kilowatt solar power panels, Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works and Energy Sabastian Kyoni has said.
Kyoni disclosed that the installation of the panels follows a partnership with the County Government of Makueni and the UK- Partnership for Accelerating Climate Transitions (UK PACT), supported by the British Government.
“UK-PACT and county government officials from Energy and Environment have visited Makueni Referral Hospital where the installation of solar panels will enable 100% reliance on solar power. This project supported by the UK in collaboration with the County Government of Makueni will install a capacity of 200 kilowatts that will save power costs by Sh 7 million annually,” said Kyoni while speaking to the media at the health facility in Wote town.
During the press briefing, the ECM said that the County Referral Hospital pays Sh 2 million monthly and termed the installation of the solar panels a milestone, saying this move will ensure the health facility has reliable energy to serve wananchi effectively.
On his part, the Economic Consular at the British High Commission in Kenya Daniel Wilcox said they are committed to tackling joint environmental and climate change issues for the sake of future generations.
“This is why we are working with counties like Makueni towards the realisation of green energy land and ecosystem restoration. We are committed to strengthening the community’s capacity to respond to climate change and support productive use of energy through useful energy plans,” said Mr Wilcox.
Earlier, the Economic Consular with his delegation paid a courtesy call on Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. in his Wote office.
Their talks centred on modalities of joint mobilisation of resources to promote innovative renewable energy technologies and transition from grid-powered to solar systems within the county.
During the talks they identified Kisingo Technical Training Institute where they will set up a state-of-the-art county energy centre.
By Patrick Nyakundi
