NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Treasury has approved a Sh3.45 billion solar power plant and smart street lighting project for Eldoret, paving the way for contract negotiations under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The approval, granted on April 10, marks a significant step in the government’s push to modernise urban infrastructure and transition to renewable energy systems in Kenya’s newest city.
According to project details, the initiative will deliver a 3MWac solar photovoltaic power plant integrated with a 9MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The system is designed to power street lighting and selected municipal facilities independently of the national grid, ensuring uninterrupted service even during power outages.
The project also includes the installation of approximately 12,000 new LED streetlights, 90 high-mast towers, and the refurbishment of 2,271 non-functional lights across the municipality.
Existing grid-connected street lighting will be converted to solar power as part of the transition.
Key public infrastructure — including municipal buildings, traffic lights, parks, and other amenities — will be connected to the new renewable energy system, significantly expanding access to reliable lighting.
In a move that signals a shift towards smart city infrastructure, the lighting system will incorporate adaptive LED technology equipped with integrated CCTV cameras, facial recognition capabilities, and smart controls.
The network will be supported by underground fibre-optic connectivity, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Officials say the project is expected to enhance public safety, reduce energy costs, and support economic activity by enabling a 24-hour operating environment in the fast-growing urban centre.
The development follows Eldoret’s elevation to city status in 2024, making it Kenya’s fifth city after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.
Project Coordinator Silas Leting said the initiative positions Eldoret to meet global urban standards by integrating sustainability, innovation, and security.
“Eldoret City is positioning itself to match the standards of modern cities in developed nations, where innovation, safety, and sustainability drive urban growth,” he said.
The project has undergone multiple approval stages, including clearance of its Project Information Pack in November 2025, followed by a feasibility study that informed the Treasury’s final decision.
