A section of Eldoret City where the solar street lights will be installed by Uasin Gishu County/MATHEWS NDANYI
Uasin Gishu County is set to roll out a Sh3 billion
solar-powered street lighting project to cover Eldoret City under a public-private
partnership, in a bid to make it safer, smarter and more energy-efficient.
The 15-year project will involve two years of construction and 13 years of operation, maintenance and eventual transfer to the county. Public participation forums have already been held across wards to gather residents’ input.
Plans include a 3MWp solar power plant with 10MWh storage capacity, a 200-kilometre underground distribution network with fiber optic cabling, over 20,000 adaptive LED streetlights and CCTV-integrated smart controls for remote monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Governor Jonathan Bii said the initiative aligns with his Nguzo Kumi agenda on modern infrastructure and safer communities.
“We are lighting up our streets, homes and our future. This will make Eldoret safer, more attractive for investment and more liveable for our people,” Bii said.
Residents have welcomed the project, citing security, economic and quality-of-life benefits. “We want to benefit from this project,” said Mary Sang from Kipkenyo.
John Njoroge added, “This will be key to securing our estates and villages.”
Energy executive Anthony Sitienei highlighted the sustainability gains. “We are not just installing lights; we are building a smarter, greener city. Reduced energy costs and modern infrastructure will transform service delivery.”
The county expects the solar lighting system to cut public lighting costs by up to 50 per cent, extend safe working hours for a thriving night economy, reduce crime, improve road safety and lower carbon emissions in line with Kenya’s climate commitments.
Once the county assembly approves the proposal, implementation will proceed in partnership with Rayuton Seko Energy Ltd, a Kenya–Czech Republic collaboration bringing technical expertise and investment.
