Samburu county rolls out solar project to cut power bills

Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit. [File, Standard]

Samburu county is banking on solar energy project to reduce the cost of electricity by Sh4 million annually.

Governor Lati Lelelit said the project already commissioned at Archers Post town will be a game-changer in the quest to reduce the cost of power.

Lelelit revealed that the money saved from electricity bills paid to Kenya Power Company will be channeled to solar projects in urban centers including street lights.

"Our project will see all county offices powered by solar energy. Our electricity bill has reached Sh50 million annually. We intend to save up to Sh4 million annually for the ten years by using solar energy," he said.

The governor was speaking at Archer's Post town where he commissioned solar-powered street lights.

Waso ward representative Kelvin Lamantaan said the street lights will help curb insecurity.

"In the past nine months, the Archers Post town has been in darkness after electricity was disconnected from street lights due to high bills," Lamantaan said, adding that as a result, the area had witnessed a rise in incidents of insecurity.

The business community in Archers Post town which is close to Samburu National Reserve have been complaining about rising insecurity cases that have heavily impacted on their businesses.

The town is the preferred destination for tourists visiting the park.

Pastor John Letoo, a resident, welcomed the solar project saying it was cost effective and would ensure constant supply of power.

"For the past two years, the town has been in darkness. Businesses were affected by the insecurity. Archers Post is a cosmopolitan town and deserves functional street lighting," he said.

Joseph Lepurdati, a trader in the town said businesses will be able to operate at night without fear of insecurity.

"This is a very positive move by the county government. It will empower traders in the area and ensure the safety of both the businesses and the people of Archers Post," he said.

Rosaline Gateru, a vegetable vendor, said before the installation of the solar-powered street lights, they were forced to close their businesses as early as 6 p.m.

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