Bungoma: Bungoma County has entered into a strategic partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank of Kenya Limited (KCB) to roll out solar power solutions across public health facilities. The move aims at cutting electricity costs, improving service delivery and enhancing healthcare reliability. Speaking Thursday during the signing of the memorandum of understanding ceremony at the county headquarters, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said the partnership marks a major milestone in the county's efforts to strengthen healthcare services through sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.
According to Kenya News Agency, this initiative will see the solarisation of at least 20 priority health facilities in the first phase, including 10 sub-county hospitals and 10 high-volume health centres. Governor Lusaka emphasized that local health facilities have long struggled with high electricity bills, unreliable grid power, and frequent outages, which disrupt service delivery. He added that the partnership provides a practical and sustainable solution that guarantees reliable power, improves patient care, and reduces operational costs.
Lusaka further mentioned that the initiative will directly benefit over one million residents who depend on public healthcare facilities, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply for operating theatres, maternity wards, laboratories, and pharmacies. Additionally, the initiative is described as a low-risk, high-impact investment that will strengthen the health system, enhance emergency response, and improve the working environment for frontline health workers. The long-term savings from this project will allow the county to redirect resources to essential areas such as drugs, staffing, and medical equipment.
KCB Bank will provide up to 100 per cent asset-based financing, conduct energy audits, mobilize approved engineering and construction contractors, and ensure system maintenance and lifecycle support. KCB Group Managing Director Anastacia Kimtai expressed the bank's pride in partnering with Bungoma County to advance green energy solutions for public service delivery. She reiterated the bank's commitment to supporting sustainable development and climate-smart investments.
KCB managing director added that the solar installations will not only lower energy costs but also enhance service reliability, particularly in critical areas such as maternal health, diagnostics, and emergency care. Kimtai noted that powering health facilities with solar energy will ensure uninterrupted healthcare services while contributing to Kenya's climate action agenda. The first phase of the project is expected to be implemented within 6 to 12 months, delivering 24-hour reliable power, reducing dependency on the national grid, cutting generator fuel costs, and improving the performance of medical equipment and cold-chain systems.