The Angaza Kiambu project has completed its first phase that has seen solar lighting in street across 60 wards. The initiative which was set off to reduce the annual expenditures on electricity bills at the county was also intended to align with the sustainable development goals on affordable and clean energy measurable action plan on climate change mitigation.
The first phase included the installation and launch in Limuru, Githunguri, Juja, Ruiru, and Kiambu sub-counties, with the program's second phase set to be rolled out soon. The goal of the Sh400 million Angaza Kiambu program according to Governor Kimani Wamatangi is to install 10,000 solar street lights in the three phases, with the goal being a total transformation of Kiambu County which aims to become the first in the region to go green.
James Gicheru, a food vendor from Lari, where the solarizing project recently installed the new lights, said that the initiative has had a big impact on residents' lives, including improvement in their quality of life, enhanced security, and increased business hours. "We are very happy that now we can operate for longer hours with more freedom, and we don't have to worry about our safety and fear of roaming wild animals is no longer an issue.
There is still a long way to go but we are happy about this progress," he said According to the Chief Officer Public Works and Utilities Virginia Kahonge, solar Streetlights have a life span of 20 years as compared to grid connected lights which last for a maximum of 5 years.
