Kabarak pioneers bold solar power initiative to drive green education

From left: Economic Adviser Moses Kuria , Kabarak University Chairman Board of Trustee Raymond Moi, Chancellor Gideon Moi,  former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and university Vice Chancellor Henry Kiplagat during the 20th graduation ceremony, on December 20, 2024. [ Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kabarak University has become the first institution of higher learning to fully go off-grid.

The university’s chancellor, Gideon Moi, said that the institution would harness solar energy to run all its activities.

Speaking during the 20th graduation ceremony Friday, Gideon announced the “install, educate and impact” initiative, which will ensure that all learning institutions are fully powered off-grid.

“Further to celebrating our graduands, we are pleased to announce a historic milestone for our institution and a bold step towards a sustainable future,” he said.

The university will also be transitioning off-grid, alongside it’s sister institutions, Moi High School-Kabarak and Moi Primary School, Kabarak, which will also harness the power of the sun.

The milestone achieved by the institutions, he said, is driven by innovation and is part of the global efforts to fight climate change.

“This decision is not just a strategic move; it is a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and our vision for a brighter future,” the chancellor noted.

He said communities in the neighbourhood would also benefit, adding that the transformation would not only reduce carbon footprint but also set deliberate standards for sustainable education in sub-Saharan Africa. 

“We proudly claim our place among the leading academic institutions in this region to embark on such a ground breaking initiative. This pioneering feat positions us at the forefront of the global movement towards renewable energy and sustainable development,” he said.

Although Kenya is among the leading global leaders positioned to leap past the heavily polluting industrial stage of growth, many learning institutions are yet to transit to renewable energy.

Currently, renewable sources already supply more than 90 per cent of the country’s electricity with heavy investments in geothermal, hydropower and solar.

According to Gideon, embracing innovative and smart renewable investments, would not only have access to clean but also affordable energy, which is key to the development of agriculture, business, communications, education, healthcare, and transportation. 

“By harnessing the sun’s energy, we are not only powering our classrooms, but also illuminating the path towards a more equitable and sustainable future for the communities around us,” he added.

“As we embark on this journey, we invite our students, staff, and the broader community to join us in embracing sustainable practices.”

Africa Union Commission chairmanship candidate and Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, acknowledged climate change among current pressing issues in Africa that require urgent innovative solutions.

Raila, who was the chief guest, urged the graduands to use the skills they learnt to diagnose the challenges that the world is currently facing.

“Across Africa, we are witnessing mixed results in governance. Debt servicing is becoming more challenging, while climate change continues to exert pressure to our fragile ecosystems,” he said.

Vice Chancellor Henry Kiplagat noted that the institution had made great academic progress.

“We celebrate Kabarak University for consistently ranking among the top ten universities in Kenya. The institution has stood out as a hub of research and innovation in the region,” he said.

In addition to the institution’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for legal education, Prof Kiplagat said that enrolment has also increased.

“This increase is a result of the growth of new, market-driven programmes we have developed in recent years. It is also a reflection of confidence and trust that our students and parents have in the quality of holistic, world-class education we offer at Kabarak University,” he said.