Kiambu County is pioneering a shift toward sustainable energy by solarizing its boreholes, ensuring reliable and affordable access to water for residents while cutting operational costs. The initiative, led by the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources, Energy, and Climate Change, aims to address the high electricity bills that have historically strained community water projects.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi explained that the county previously relied on grid-powered motors to pump water, resulting in unsustainable expenses. My administration is changing this trend by adopting solar power, renewable energy, which aligns with global climate solutions, he said. The program began with a pilot at Kikuyu Municipality, where monthly electricity costs for water pumping dropped by over 40%, from more than KSh 7 million to significantly lower amounts. The success of the pilot was replicated at the Gathanji borehole, improving the regularity and reliability of water supply for residents who had previously gone weeks without access.
The solarization project is expected to cut the county’s water bills from KSh 800 million per month to around KSh 400 million, freeing resources for expanding water access and other development projects. Governor Wamatangi emphasized the broader impact on citizens’ well-being, noting that more than 250,000 residents have now been connected to water, raising coverage to 75 percent across the county. The initiative forms part of Kiambu’s wider vision to adopt green energy solutions in public facilities, including street lighting, underscoring the county’s commitment to sustainable development and climate-friendly practices.