Murang’a County plans to reduce high power bills by installing solar panels in institutions and solar pumps in boreholes, as announced by Governor Irungu Kang’ata.
Solar Energy Will Significantly Cut Power Costs
To save money on electricity, the Murang'a County government plans to transition to solar energy. Governor Irungu Kang'ata has declared plans to install solar panels at several institutions to reduce costs.
On Thursday, while hosting a delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini studying the impact of devolution and governance in Murang’a, Kang'ata explained that his administration aimed to reduce electricity bills. He stated that implementing solar energy would significantly cut power costs, enabling the county government to allocate more funds to development projects.
“Installing solar energy will save the county government substantial power bills, allowing my administration to direct additional resources into development projects,” remarked Kang'ata.
Current Solar Installations in Murang'a
Over the past week, Kang’ata revealed that his administration has installed solar panels at eight boreholes and one Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) center. The first connections were made at Mumbu and Turuturu boreholes in Kahumbu Ward, Kigumo Constituency, where residents are now able to access water without any difficulties.
“The first installation was made at Mumbu and Turuturu bore holes in Kahumbu ward, Kigumo constituency, where residents can obtain water without difficulty,” the governor said.
Kang'ata stated that additional solar installations are planned as part of a broader strategy to invest more in community development initiatives. He indicated that more resources would be dedicated to public projects.
Reactions From Residents
On Monday, May 20, residents of Gatanga, Murang'a County, gathered to discuss the county's plan to switch from Kenya Power to solar panels at the local market, which would also affect the pumping of water from public boreholes.
The county had announced a transition to solar power for major facilities, aiming to reduce reliance on Kenya Power. While some locals expressed concerns about the efficiency of solar energy, they also recognized its potential benefits.
Milka Njambi, a trader in Murang’a town, urged the governor to install solar street lights, noting that many streetlights have been disconnected due to unpaid electricity bills. Njambi highlighted an increase in mugging incidents, emphasizing the need for a sustainable solution.
Residents suggested that the county use both solar and Kenya Power as complementary sources, ensuring reliability while embracing new technology. “We're not really against the concept of employing solar panels, but let's utilise it as a backup plan,” a resident remarked.
Raising Hopes
This collaborative approach followed Governor Irungu Kang'ata's announcement of the plan to cut electricity costs through countywide borehole solarization, a move intended to save money and promote sustainability.
Governor Kang'ata shared the project's progress in Kigumo Constituency, noting significant reductions in electricity bills for both the county and the community. The project has already benefited areas like Kabati, Kenol, Kandara, Mumbu, Turuturu, Gakindu, Ngelelya, Kigio, Gatanga, Kagongo, and Kaigwa Gaturi Kiharu.
He encouraged residents to embrace these positive changes for their economic and environmental benefits. By adopting solar energy, the county aims to address its past electricity debt and reduce the significant portion of its budget spent on power.
The implementation of solar energy in Murang’a County reduces electricity costs, reallocates funds to community development, and promotes financial and environmental sustainability.