President William Ruto has launched a KSh45 billion national programme to solar power more than 3,000 public schools across Kenya. The initiative targets about 780 MW of combined solar capacity, making it one of the largest school-based clean energy rollouts in Africa.
The programme aims to eliminate reliance on firewood and reduce electricity costs in schools by up to 70 to 100 percent. Solar systems will power lighting, kitchens, ICT labs, and water heating. Schools will also be able to sell excess power to the grid, creating an additional income stream.
The Ministries of Education and Energy are leading the rollout, with financing support from Kenya Commercial Bank through concessional green loans. A pilot phase covering 266 schools has already been completed, setting the stage for full nationwide implementation within a year.
Beyond cost savings, the programme supports Kenya’s climate goals by cutting carbon emissions and reducing deforestation caused by firewood use in schools. It also strengthens digital learning by ensuring reliable power for computers and modern classrooms.
If fully implemented on schedule, the project will reshape how public schools consume energy and position Kenya as a regional leader in clean energy adoption within the education sector.