LEARNING LIT BY KENYA’S SUN

Schools in Kenya to go solar
Mike Hammond, January 7, 2010 (Biofuels Watch)

"More than 117 schools and health centers in dry areas of Kenya have been utilizing hydro-generated electricity. As a result, the cost of energy utilization is soaring…In the view of this, Kenya has granted a solar power establishment contract to “Power Options Limited” and “Go Solar Limited,” …private solar energy development companies with tenders amounting to Sh273.6 million towards the installation, commission and testing of solar panels in health centers and educational institutions which never had electricity or any other source of power. This initiative has also been set up by the government to test the outcome so that solar energy technology can be spread…

"According to Mr Patrick Nyoike, secretary in the Ministry of Energy, this project has been distinctively planned for rural areas located at a distance from the national power grid. However, he did say that the power generated out of the project would not be allowed to go to the cities."

These assets beg development. (click to enlarge)

"Towards the lighting up of dry regions in the North Eastern province the government has set aside a budget of Sh500 million towards the funding of this project. This decision was taken in the 2009/2010 annual budget meeting."

These assets beg development. (click to enlarge)

"Knowing that the northern region has sunshine throughout the year, Mr Nyoike considers this project as a successful plan towards rural electrification programs. The expansion of this project towards generation of energy via renewable sources like solar, wind and biogas was speeded up barely four months after Prime Minister Raila Odinga was appointed.

"If the wind and solar resources are properly planned and utilized, the electricity generation capacity in Kenya can go more than 3,000 MW which can power its widespread dry districts in the north…[and provide] power to the national grid…[which would lessen] the fears of investors and manufacturing sectors…[and resolve Kenya’s] irregular electricity supplies…"