Kiambu signs solar lighting deal with energy agency

Kiambu County has signed a Sh120 million deal with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), to install solar-powered street lights in a bid to cut the huge electricity bills it pays Kenya Power.

The money saved, the county said Tuesday, would be redirected to other critical areas.

The partnership was signed at Kiambu County headquarters.

“We pay Kenya Power Sh10 million monthly billed from street lights in Kiambu County. The new partnership will save us a lot of money that can be used in other critical areas within Kiambu County,” said governor James Nyoro

The partnership, he said, would boost security and support local enterprises and complement investments.

“In efforts aimed at enhancing security, support local enterprises, and complement efforts of investors within Kiambu County, my government has today signed a collaboration agreement with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation, to install street lights,” he said

“This is an agreement that will see the installation of solar street lights worth Sh120 million funded by both REREC and the County Government of Kiambu.”

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation CEO Peter Mbugua said the model would be replicated in other counties.

Kenyans have been complaining about huge electricity bills even as it emerged that Kenya Power has opened talks with the energy regulator to increase power prices by up to a fifth after the government softened its earlier stand against higher tariffs.

Kenya Power said it has involved the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority in the application it made last year seeking a revision of tariffs.

When implemented, the higher tariffs will affect household budgets and increase the already high cost of doing business.

Kenya Power wants to increase the consumption charge for usage of less than 100 kilowatts per month to Sh12.50 a unit, up from Sh10.