Ruto launches Sh45 billion solar project for 3,200 schools

President William Ruto graces centenary celebrations of Alliance High School held in Kikuyu Constituency on March 1, 2026/PCS

President William Ruto has announced the launch of a Sh45 billion programme to solarize 3,200 schools across the country in a major push towards clean energy and environmental conservation.

Speaking on Sunday during the centenary celebrations of Alliance High School in Kikuyu Constituency, the President termed the initiative as “significant and consequential,” saying it will transition learning institutions from reliance on firewood and other non-renewable sources to solar power for cooking, lighting and other energy needs.

Ruto said the Ministries of Education and Energy are implementing the ambitious programme jointly in partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).

He lauded the bank for extending financial support at favourable terms to make the project possible.

“It is not always easy to negotiate with banks. KCB has extended a credit facility with a 30 per cent discount to enable us solarize our schools and reduce carbon emissions,” the President said.

According to Ruto, a pilot phase covering 266 schools has already been completed successfully, paving the way for the nationwide rollout.

“With the pilot project carried out in 266 schools complete, we are now going to roll out the programme. In the next one year or so, we should have solarized all our schools,” he stated.

The President revealed that the solar project is expected to generate up to 780 megawatts of electricity, significantly boosting the country’s renewable energy capacity while lowering operational costs for schools.

He also addressed concerns about excess power generated during school holidays, directing the Ministry of Energy to ensure the electricity is purchased and fed into the national grid.

“I know there have been discussions on what happens to power generated when schools are not in session. My instructions to the Ministry of Energy is that you buy that electricity even if it is at a discount,” Ruto said.

The Head of State said the programme aligns with Kenya’s broader commitment to climate action, forest conservation and sustainable development, noting that many schools currently depend on firewood for cooking, contributing to deforestation.

During the centenary event, which marked 100 years since the founding of Alliance High School in 1926 by Protestant missionaries under Reverend John William Arthur, Ruto underscored the central role of education in national transformation.

“We must develop our capacity through education. There is absolutely no reason Kenya cannot be as good as those in the developed world,” he said.

“I have no doubt in my mind that we have what it takes to take our country forward, we will do it.”

Ruto noted that his engagements with leaders from Singapore and Malaysia had reinforced his belief that Kenya possesses similar potential for rapid development.

“In all those instances, I came to the conclusion that Kenya can be as good as them,” he added, pointing to science and technology as key drivers of the country’s future growth.

“Science and tech is going to play a critical role,” he emphasized.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba and Education Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok attended the event.