Strangler Fig Ltd Director Muthandi Mbui Wanjigi/HANDOUTThe Homa Bay County Government has partnered with Kenyan infrastructure and investment company Strangler Fig Ltd to roll out a solar-powered street lighting initiative.
The initiative is aimed at improving security, extending business hours and stimulating economic activity across the county.
It was launched at Governor’s Park, Homa Bay County Government Headquarters, during a ceremony presided over by Governor Gladys Wanga, who attended as the guest of honour.
The Homa Bay Solar Street Lighting Initiative is a public-private partnership designed to provide reliable, sustainable lighting to economically and socially important public spaces, including markets, fishing landing sites, town centres and community roads.
The off-grid solar-powered technology is designed to operate throughout the year, offering communities a sustainable lighting solution while reducing reliance on conventional electricity infrastructure.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Wanga said the project would strengthen security in towns and beaches while creating opportunities for businesses to operate for longer hours.
“Installing street lights, advertising light boxes and high masts will not only enhance security in our towns and beaches but also promote economic activities throughout the county by extending trading hours and creating safer neighbourhoods,” she said.
The initiative seeks to address inadequate night-time lighting in Homa Bay, a county whose economy relies heavily on fishing, trade and other small-scale businesses.
Limited lighting in markets, along landing sites and on community roads has often restricted economic activity after dark while exposing traders, women, young people and other residents to safety risks.
By illuminating these public spaces, the project aims to enable traders to serve customers for longer, support fishing-related activities and improve the safety and accessibility of public areas at night.
Strangler Fig Ltd Director Muthandi Mbui Wanjigi said the company viewed the partnership as an investment in the county’s economic and social potential.
“We see Kenya not as it is, but as it is becoming. The potential is already here, in every person, every enterprise and every community. Our work is to help it take root. Strong roots are grown, not given, and we’re proud to grow them alongside you,” Wanjigi said.
The company said its decision to invest in Homa Bay was informed by the county’s untapped economic and commercial potential, noting that infrastructure plays a critical role in enabling businesses and communities to thrive.
According to the company, improved lighting can help create safer, more active public spaces, encouraging commercial activity and supporting community development.
The project marks Strangler Fig Ltd’s most significant public-facing initiative to date and its first formal public-private partnership with a county government.
Led by brothers Muthandi Mbui Wanjigi and Maina Mbui Wanjigi, Strangler Fig Ltd is a Kenyan private infrastructure and investment company whose portfolio spans several sectors.
Its activities include waste-to-energy projects that seek to convert solid waste into usable energy, water infrastructure development and community water tank programmes targeting underserved areas across Kenya.
The company has also pursued international development partnerships aimed at connecting Kenyan infrastructure opportunities with global partners.
The Homa Bay partnership represents a further step in the company’s engagement with local governments to support infrastructure development and community-level economic growth.
