Six Kiambu schools instal solar systems for consistent power supply

The project’s objective is to transform public learning institutions into clean energy hubs.

by ALICE WAITHERA

Central01 August 2025 - 10:00

In Summary

The project facilitated by the NGCDF is has seen Ting’ang’a secondary, Ting’ang’a primary, St. Peter's secondary, Ack St. Joseph Riabai, Riabai primary school and Ndumberi primary schools make the shift that will cut their electricity costs.
MP Machua Waithaka said the project is targeting 31 learnings institutions including nine day secondary schools and 22 primary schools, reaffirming his commitment to making the constituency a model for sustainable development.

Six learning institutions in Kiambu Town constituency have installed solar energy systems in a major leap towards environmental and electricity sustainability.

The project facilitated by the NG-CDF has seen Ting’ang’a secondary, Ting’ang’a primary, St Peter's secondary, ACK St Joseph Riabai, Riabai primary and Ndumberi primary schools make the shift that will cut their electricity costs.

MP Machua Waithaka said the project’s objective is to transform public learning institutions into clean energy hubs.

At Riabai Primary School, installation of a solar system that is currently ongoing includes a 12kWp inverter and a 20kWh energy storage system (ESS).

Once completed, the school will operate entirely off-grid, which will eliminate its reliance on the national electricity grid, reduce monthly utility costs and bringing to an end interruptions caused by blackouts.

“This is one way to empower our learners and support schools. It’s more than energy. It’s clean energy that will help students study better,” the MP said while inspecting the solar installation at Riabai primary on Wednesday.

He said the project is part of a broader effort to green Kiambu’s education infrastructure, adding that schools that have benefited have reported numerous advantages.

Waithaka emphasised that the long-term impact of the initiative is to mitigate climate change and its effects on his constituents.

“With every panel we instal, we are reducing our carbon footprint, preserving our environment and ensuring our children have uninterrupted access to learning. Solar lighting means cleaner air, lower emissions and greater energy independence,” he said.

The Riabai Primary School system is designed to meet the entire energy needs of the institution, including powering classrooms, administrative offices, security lights and other essential equipment.

Waithaka said the project is targeting 31 learnings institutions, including nine day secondary schools and 22 primary schools, reaffirming his commitment to making the constituency a model for sustainable development.

“Every child deserves a conducive learning environment and every school deserves the tools to succeed without harming our planet,” he said.

Teachers and parents at Riabai welcomed the project, noting its significance in improving the school’s infrastructure and learning conditions.

“This means our children will no longer struggle with poor lighting or unexpected power outages. It’s a huge boost to our learning activities,” said Nancy Wambui, a teacher at the school.

The solar programme also aligns with Kenya’s national climate goals and global commitments to clean energy as it reduces dependence on fossil fuels, helps conserve water resources and supports biodiversity.

“This is climate action at the grassroots. When local communities start adopting clean energy, the ripple effect is massive economically, socially, and ecologically,” resident David Muriuki said.