🇰🇪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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Must ReadAn eight-year-old school play titled 'It Is Well,' written by former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala, has gained attention due to its striking similarities to the recent Utumishi Girls Academy fire. The play, which was performed by Butere Girls High School in 2018, depicted a girls' school sponsored by security forces, a deadly dormitory fire, and students trapped by grilled windows. The Utumishi Girls Academy, where 16 learners died, is sponsored by the National Police Service and primarily admits children of police officers. Malala stated that the play was inspired by social divisions observed in society and aimed to use theatre to warn communities about potential dangers. He explained that 'It Is Well' explored the relationship between civilians and security forces, with a central scene showing a fire engulfing a girls' school, trapping students in a dormitory with grilled windows. Malala, who has written 83 plays, said his creative process often focuses on anticipating future challenges and that he intentionally chose a school associated with disciplined forces to highlight societal conflicts. He also noted that the play addressed issues like social segregation and the dangers of grilled windows in dormitories, as well as the failure of authorities to intervene in conflicts despite being aware of them. Malala expressed regret that the play's prophetic insights were not appreciated as content that could bring about societal change and criticized the censorship of school p
Kenya is experiencing a wave of unrest in schools, with numerous institutions affected by fires, strikes, and vandalism, raising concerns about student safety. The incidents follow a tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that killed 16 students. Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced nationwide inspections to identify causes, attributing some incidents to examination pressure and poor communication. However, National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa described the situation as a national crisis, advocating for greater parental involvement. Meanwhile, fresh divisions are emerging within Kenya's opposition alliance regarding the selection of a presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua is advocating for a data-driven process, insisting that Kenyans, not political negotiations, should determine the best candidate to challenge President William Ruto. This stance puts her at odds with allies of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who have traditionally favored consensus-building. The High Court's upcoming judgment on Gachagua's impeachment is also a critical factor, with analysts suggesting it could significantly impact the political landscape. In other news, a Nakuru family finally buried their loved one after a five-year wait, following a High Court order for the release of a man's body held in a mortuary over unpaid medical bills. Justice Julius Nang'ea ruled
Must ReadHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stated that the government will not seek public participation before establishing Ebola treatment and quarantine facilities across Kenya. This announcement came during his appearance before the National Assembly, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, where he briefed lawmakers on the country's preparedness for potential Ebola outbreaks. Duale's stance was met with questions from Members of Parliament, particularly concerning a proposed US-linked Ebola treatment center at Nanyuki Air Base in Laikipia county. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere voiced strong opposition, questioning the necessity of such a facility in Kenya given the US's advanced healthcare capabilities and its own policy on not allowing Ebola-exposed Americans into the country. Duale defended the government's decision, citing the Public Health Act, which he claims does not require public consultation in such circumstances. He emphasized the government's constitutional and moral duty to protect lives and ensure national health security before an outbreak occurs. Duale also clarified that the proposed Laikipia facility is one of 23 centers planned nationwide, all based on scientific evidence and expert recommendations, and assured that Kenyans would receive priority access to treatment at these facilities.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a forecast for rainfall and thunderstorms across several parts of the country over the next 24 hours, from Wednesday, June 3, at 9:00 p.m. to Thursday, June 4, at 9:00 p.m. Coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Tana River, are expected to experience the heaviest downpours, with rainfall becoming more widespread on Thursday morning. Strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots 12.5 metres per second are also anticipated across parts of northwestern, northeastern, southeastern lowland, and coastal regions, affecting areas like Turkana, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Makueni, Kitui, and all coastal counties. Residents in affected areas, particularly coastal and wind-prone regions, are advised to remain alert due to potential impacts on transport and outdoor activities. Other regions, such as the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley, including counties like Kakamega, Kisumu, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, and Bungoma, are also expected to see scattered showers and thunderstorms. The Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, will experience partly cloudy conditions tonight, with light afternoon showers possible over high-altitude areas tomorrow. Northwestern and northeastern Kenya are largely expected to remain dry.