Over 20,000 families in West Pokot county are set to see the light as the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project moves to ensure they access clean, reliable and affordable energy.
The initiative, set to revolutionise energy access in remote areas, is now moving into a critical implementation phase.
West Pokot is one of 14 counties benefiting from the Sh10 billion project, which President William Ruto launched earlier this year.
Governor Simon Kachapin hosted officials from the Kenya Power Company and Kosap to plan the official handover to Hypertek Engineering, the technical implementation partners.
“The initiative is already making a significant impact by enhancing access to clean, reliable and affordable energy across the county,” Kachapin said.
Institutions in the health and education sectors are also part of this energy expansion programme.
So far, 31 health facilities and several schools in North Pokot, Pokot South, Pokot Central and West Pokot subcounties have been solarised.
This ensures an uninterrupted power supply to support critical health services and provides improved learning environments for students.
Dubbed ‘Lighting Up Homes and Lives', over 16,500 households in West Pokot have received home solar systems, enhancing safety, security and quality of life.
Furthermore, 5,000 families have embraced cleaner cooking technologies by adopting improved cookstoves, contributing to better health and environmental outcomes.
“This is a life-impacting component of the project that will particularly benefit our women who are largely involved in feeding our families as they will now use clean energy,” Kachapin said.
The project extends its reach to community infrastructure, with plans to solarise 33 boreholes in Pokot Central, Kipkomo and North Pokot. This will boost access to safe and sustainable water sources for remote communities.
To ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the initiative, the project also focuses on building local capacity.
County staff are undergoing training in solar energy systems, project management and environmental conservation, to ensure effective operation, maintenance and future expansion of clean energy initiatives.
Kachapin affirmed the county’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that deliver impactful services to the people of West Pokot.
He noted that Kosap’s successful implementation demonstrates the value of collaborative development and the transformative potential of clean energy in rural communities.
“West Pokot is firmly on the path toward clean, affordable and sustainable energy for all. We appreciate the continued support from our national and development partners in making this vision a reality.”
