October 2025

Makueni County has launched an ambitious new energy policy that aims to deliver clean, affordable, and reliable power to every home, school, health center, and business across its six sub-counties, cementing its place as a national leader in Kenya’s green energy transition.

Unveiled Tuesday in Wote by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the Energy Policy 2025 builds on a string of successful projects, including 44 solar installations, expanded electricity grid access, and the county’s first clean cooking pilot.

“This policy is not just a government document, it’s a promise,” said Governor Kilonzo. A promise that energy will no longer be a barrier, but a bridge to prosperity.”

The policy follows the Makueni County Energy Plan (CEP) 2023–2032, already delivering impact across health, water, agriculture, trade, and gender sectors.

In FY 2024/25 alone, the county invested Ksh 99.38 million in solar energy, installing systems with a combined capacity of 810.8 kWp.

The water sector leads with 32 solar-powered boreholes, while health comes second, including a standout 205.35 kWp solar system at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, slashing electricity bills by 30pc and saving over Ksh 7 million in one year.

Beyond the cost savings, the system has helped the hospital avoid 120 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent of displacing 110 tonnes of coal.
“This is clean energy saving lives, literally,” said the Governor. “It’s a model we are scaling to other health facilities.”

Over 60 market centers have been fitted with solar streetlights, while five towns now boast high-mast floodlights, achieving 100pc lighting coverage in all sub-counties.

The results? Safer streets, longer trading hours, and thriving night economies.

“We’re seeing women sell until late, children studying under streetlights, and crime dropping. That’s what energy justice looks like,” said Kilonzo.

With REREC’s support, 12 new grid projects have connected 583 households to electricity, turning power from a dream into a daily reality for families across Kaiti, Kibwezi East, Kibwezi West, Kilome, Makueni, and Mbooni.

The County also made its first major move away from firewood and kerosene through a clean cooking pilot in Kikumbulyu South, distributing 253 LPG stoves to households.

Next, Makueni plans to roll out LPG to more homes and institutions, supported by public-private partnerships.

“This is not just about energy, it’s about dignity, women’s health, and saving our forests,” the Governor said.

In FY 2025/26, the county has approved 42 new energy projects with a budget of Ksh 106.19 million, focusing on water, health, trade, agriculture, and lighting. Another Ksh30 million has been set aside for grid expansion.

The new policy is rooted in Kenya’s Energy Act of 2019 and developed in collaboration with UK PACT, Strathmore University, World Resources Institute, and Just Energy Transition Africa. It lays the foundation for a decentralized, citizen-driven approach to energy access prioritizing clean cooking, solar power, modern lighting, and grid connectivity.

Key partners who flagged the policy launch emphasized the role of energy in the country’s growth.

The British High Commission to Kenya, through representative Dan Wilcox, called Makueni’s efforts “trailblazing,” saying the policy would “unlock new economic possibilities and support green jobs.”

Prof. Izael Da Silva of Strathmore University urged the national government to follow suit, calling energy access a driver of GDP growth.

Dr. Rebekah Shirley of the World Resources Institute praised Makueni for crafting energy solutions tailored to local needs.

Governor Kilonzo said Makueni will become a model for Kenya and beyond, calling on for more private partnerships in unlocking the makueni economic potential.

“We want to be a living lab for localized energy planning,” he said. “To the private sector, we welcome you to invest. To development partners, thank you. And to our people, this is your policy. Embrace it. Hold us accountable.”

With political will, local engagement, and global partnerships, Makueni is betting big on a future powered by clean energy, and it’s already showing what’s possible.

This article was written by Muraya Kamunde and was first published here 

Strathmore University hosted the launch of the inaugural East Africa Executive School, a programme designed to equip senior professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to accelerate the region’s energy transition.

The week-long initiative, running from 22 to 26 September 2025, is spearheaded by the RES4Africa Foundation in collaboration with the Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), supported by the Enel Foundation, and organised with the backing of the Mattei Plan for Africa to equip decision-makers with the tools and knowledge to drive change in the region’s energy landscape.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Lorenza Gambacorta, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Kenya, said Italy is supporting programmes for investing in people, those who can design, implement, and maintain renewable energy systems.

“Skilled professionals can bridge the gap between finance and technology. Training in both technical and financial aspects of renewable energy can help unlock access to international funds, loans, and grants that are crucial for energy projects,” said Gambacorta.

According to Giulia Genuardi, Managing Director, Enel Foundation, the Nairobi edition builds on the successful regional programmes previously held in Southern Africa and North Africa, reflecting a deliberate shift toward decentralising training and tailoring solutions to regional realities.

“Use the knowledge from the course to become leaders in energy transition, always remembering that the transition is context-specific and must be shaped to each country’s unique needs,” said Genuardi.

From left: Roberto Virgotti, Secretary General, RES4Africa Foundation, Giulia Genuardi, Managing Director, Enel Foundation and Prof. Izael Da Silva, Strathmore University, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, pose for a commemorative photo.

For East Africa, where demand for sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy solutions is growing rapidly, Roberto Virgotti, Secretary General, RES4Africa Foundation, emphasised that Africa must harness emerging technologies and strategic partnerships to secure a resilient and sustainable energy future.

“If Africa is to meet its energy and climate ambition, annual investment across the energy sector must almost triple through 2030, with a strong focus on the domestic energy system and to achieve this, collaboration will be key,” attested Virgotti.

Over five intensive days, participants will explore critical themes shaping the continent’s energy future. Sessions will delve into innovation and emerging renewable technologies, investment in infrastructure and grid flexibility, productive uses of energy and e-mobility, digitalisation and cybersecurity, and carbon markets and data-driven energy access.

Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Strathmore University, highlighted the broader significance of the programme, noting that it enhances the South–North global partnership in addressing energy challenges.

With Africa’s median age standing at just 19 years, he described the continent as “the continent of the future,” urging participants to make the most of the opportunity by networking, asking critical questions, and building the knowledge and capacity needed to drive meaningful change.

Beyond the classroom, the East Africa Executive School will also play host to the grand finale of wAtt-boost – Youth Powered Start-Up in Africa, on September 24, 2025, an Enel Foundation initiative spotlighting the ingenuity of young entrepreneurs building renewable energy-focused businesses across the continent. This integration of executive training and entrepreneurial innovation underscores a shared belief that Africa’s energy transition must be both top-driven and youth-led.

By building local capacity and fostering collaboration, the school is positioning East Africa to meet its growing energy demands and lead the continent in pioneering sustainable solutions.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu.