馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Kakamega County implements solar power project to reduce electricity costs by over 90%
via Tuko3 min read
The County Government of Kakamega has initiated a KSh 16.8 million solar power project aimed at significantly reducing electricity costs at its headquarters by over 90%. The project, funded through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action programme and awarded to Bullfinch Holdings Limited, involves installing 80 solar panels and is expected to be completed within six months. Mariam Nyongesa Were, the Chief Officer for Climate Change, Water and Sanitation, stated that the project will also ensure a reliable power supply for critical weather data servers, enhance security with solar-powered streetlights, and provide clean energy for county infrastructure. The second phase of the project will extend solar energy to health facilities across the county, with Kakamega County General Hospital and Matete Level IV Hospital being the first beneficiaries, ensuring continuous operations despite power outages. Additionally, the solarization of weather stations in Likuyani, Matungu, and Malava will provide farmers with real-time climate data to aid in their planning.
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Two men were killed during the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election on Thursday, July 16, after armed individuals reportedly stormed polling stations in Nyandarua county. Ol Kalou MP-elect Sammy Ngotho confirmed the deaths, identifying the victims as James Muigai Mwathi and Zachariah Gakinya Mukora. Ngotho stated that Gakinya, a truck driver and father of three, had returned home to vote but was beaten to death outside Huho-ini Polling Station. Ngotho criticized the government and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for their silence on the incidents. Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia also expressed outrage, noting that the victims were exercising their democratic rights. Nyandarua Senator John Methu accused four leaders of complicity, alleging that vehicles, including a Prado, were used to transport armed men into Ol Kalou and that political office staff guided the attackers. Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Wanjiku, who was present at one of the affected areas, denied involvement in organizing the violence, stating he was checking on UDA mobilizers and agents and clearing a blocked road.
Must ReadInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly challenged former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to formally report to police the cases of 68 women he claimed were sexually assaulted by officers during the Ol Kalou by-election. Murkomen made these remarks on Saturday, July 18, at Tenwek High School in Bomet. Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party, had previously alleged that police sexually assaulted 68 women in Ol Kalou during the by-election. Murkomen demanded that Gachagua present the alleged victims to the nearest police station to record formal statements and enable prosecution, stating that playing politics with such serious allegations was unacceptable. He emphasized that the government would not shield perpetrators of gender-based violence but warned against using unverified claims for political gain. Murkomen's comments followed the ruling United Democratic Alliance's defeat in Ol Kalou, where Gachagua's party candidate secured a significant win. The CS concluded by cautioning against reckless public statements made during electoral competition.
Must ReadThe Law Society of Kenya LSK has directed all advocates across the country to immediately boycott court hearings, effective July 17, 2026. The directive includes a one-day nationwide boycott and an indefinite targeted boycott of specific courts and judges. The targeted action applies to judges and judicial officers who have obtained court orders to restrain disciplinary proceedings against them by the Judicial Service Commission JSC or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission EACC. Advocates are instructed to refrain from participating in all court hearings and applications during the boycott, with limited exceptions for obtaining fresh hearing dates or extending existing interim orders. Document filing and statutory deadlines remain unaffected. The LSK has formally notified the Judiciary of the boycott to facilitate administrative arrangements. The targeted boycott extends to the Supreme Court of Kenya, as the LSK states that most Supreme Court judges remain in office due to court orders restraining the JSC from acting on complaints against them. Advocates encountering affected judges are to request matter transfers, recusal, or adjournments. Non-compliance by judges, judicial officers, or advocates is to be reported to the LSK for potential complaints to the JSC and further action.