NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has launched a national Solarisation Programme for Basic Education Institutions, saying it will cut energy costs in schools, expand access to clean power, and generate up to 150 megawatts of solar energy.
The Head of State announced the initiative during celebrations marking 100 years of Alliance High School, where he also commissioned new infrastructure projects at the institution.
“Also launched the Solarisation Programme for Basic Education Institutions that will reduce the cost of energy in our schools, expand access to clean and reliable power, and unlock the potential to generate up to 150 megawatts of solar energy,” Ruto said.
He described the project as transformative, noting that the pilot phase already covers 266 schools across the country.
According to the President, the programme will create green jobs, strengthen Kenya’s climate action commitments, and accelerate the country’s transition towards green growth.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader energy policy, which prioritises renewable sources under the Energy Act and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Kenya already derives a significant portion of its electricity from renewable sources, including geothermal, hydro, and wind power.
Ruto said solar installations in schools would lower recurrent expenditure on electricity, freeing up resources for learning materials and infrastructure. Education stakeholders have long cited utility bills as a strain on school budgets, particularly in boarding institutions.
As part of the centenary celebrations at Alliance High School, the President commissioned a new dining hall and officially opened a 640-bed Centennial Hostel.
He also inspected the ongoing construction of a new church within the school compound.
“We commissioned the new dining hall, opened the 640-bed Centennial Hostel, and inspected the ongoing construction of a new church at the school,” Ruto said.
The President noted that the projects will boost the teaching and learning environment at the premier national school, which has produced several prominent leaders in public service, academia, and business since its founding in 1926.
“As part of celebrating 100 years of Alliance High School, I had the honour of launching various projects that will boost the teaching and learning programme at the premier institution,” he added.
The solarisation drive comes amid rising national focus on sustainable development and climate resilience.
Analysts say decentralised solar power in public institutions could reduce pressure on the national grid while enhancing reliability, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
If scaled nationally, the programme could position schools not only as centres of learning but also as contributors to Kenya’s clean energy transition, with long-term economic and environmental benefits.
