September 11, 2024

Samburu County Cuts Power Bills with New Solar Project

Samburu County is using solar energy to reduce its power bills, with the aim to save KSh4 million annually. Governor Lati Lelelit plans to lower the county’s KSh50 million electricity costs and reinvest savings into solar projects like street lighting.

Governor Lelelit's Vision for Reducing Power Bills


Samburu County is embracing solar energy to reduce its power bills. The county, which has been grappling with high electricity costs, is now counting on a solar energy project to cut costs by up to KSh4 million annually.

solar energy project

Image: Collected

Governor Lati Lelelit confirmed that the project — already commissioned at Archers Post town — is part of a long-term strategy to ease the burden of high power bills. He believes this project will be a game-changer for the county.

The solar initiative will cut the county’s annual power bills, which have reached KSh50 million. By using solar energy, the county aims to save at least KSh4 million every year for the next ten years. These savings will be redirected towards urban solar projects, including solar-powered street lights.

Impact of Solar Energy on Local Security


This move comes after Archers Post town suffered months of darkness due to unpaid power bills. The town’s street lights had been disconnected, resulting in a surge in insecurity. This affected not just the residents but also the business community.

The rise in criminal incidents had hit businesses hard, especially since Archers Post is a key destination for tourists visiting the nearby Samburu National Reserve. Waso Ward representative Kelvin Lamantaan spoke about how the solar-powered street lights will help reduce crime in the area.

"In the past nine months, Archers Post has been in darkness because the electricity was disconnected. The high power bills were simply unaffordable. As a result, we saw more cases of insecurity, which harmed businesses," Lamantaan said.

Residents Welcome the Solar Initiative


The residents of Archers Post town — who have endured years of unreliable power supply — have welcomed the move. Pastor John Letoo, a local resident, expressed his satisfaction with the solar project. "For two years, our town has been in darkness. The lack of power made the insecurity worse. Now, with solar energy, we expect a reliable supply of power and fewer security concerns," he said.

Business owners in the area are also hopeful that this initiative will boost their operations. Joseph Lepurdati, a trader, said that the county's shift to solar power is a positive move. "This project will empower traders and provide a safer environment. Businesses will no longer have to close early. We can now operate into the night without worrying about our safety," he noted.

Lepurdati’s sentiments were echoed by Rosaline Gateru, a vegetable vendor. Before the installation of the solar-powered street lights, Rosaline and other traders were forced to close their shops by 6 p.m. due to insecurity. “Now, we can stay open longer. It will help us make more sales and improve our livelihoods,” she said.

Tourism Expected to Benefit from Solar-Powered Lighting


For a town that has relied heavily on tourism, the rise in insecurity had discouraged tourists from visiting. The solar project is expected to change this by improving the town’s image and making it safer for both residents and tourists.

With reliable power supply, the business community is hopeful that the town will regain its status as a preferred destination for visitors to the Samburu National Reserve. The use of solar energy not only brings down power bills but also offers a clean, sustainable source of energy.

Governor Lelelit is optimistic that the success of this project will encourage other counties to follow suit. By cutting down on power bills, counties can save millions of shillings that can be used to fund other development projects.

Samburu County’s decision to shift to solar energy is a bold and forward-thinking move. By reducing power bills and boosting security, the county is paving the way for economic growth and sustainability. The solar-powered street lights in Archers Post town mark the beginning of a brighter, safer future for the residents and business community.


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