Public universities in Kenya discuss plan to switch to solar

Universities in Kenya are set to start switching to solar power in a bid to cut operational expenses and promote sustainable energy practices.

If they adopt solar energy, institutions are expected to save between 30% and 40% on their power expenses.

A solar plan for the higher education sector was discussed at a recent meeting of the Universities Funding Board Chief Executive Officer, Geoffrey Monari, with vice-chancellors of public universities in Kenya.

The Universities Fund is the state agency mandated to mobilise and receive funds for various priority areas in the higher education sector. The funds may come from the government, donors and any other sources.

According to Monari, public universities in the country pay between US$37,875 and US$75,751 monthly on electricity bills, and he noted that the switch to solar energy will reduce expenditure on this line item by at least US$190,894.

“The reason why we are having this discussion is to ensure that our universities are sustainable. We all are aware that one of the biggest challenges they are facing is financial [well-being],” said Monari.

“We are going to be like the buffer institution to make sure that we are able to get cheap financing for solarisation … to make sure the universities are supported,” he added.

Financial struggles

Public universities are battling growing financial distress as their running costs continue to increase amid reduced government allocations. A cut on electricity costs could help bring down the pressure on universities.

Data from Kenya’s Ministry of Education shows that pending bills for universities stood at US$535 million in March 2024, which includes outstanding statutory deductions.

The solar initiative also seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting renewable energy, ensuring that universities are at the forefront of championing the combating of climate change and supporting environmentally friendly energy sources such as solar power, which can be used with minimal environmental impact.

According to the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, or KAM, the cost of power in Kenya has posed a significant barrier for industry and institutions, including universities and colleges.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics has indicated that electricity prices in Kenya have been steadily increasing over the past decade. This upward trend in electricity cost has put pressure on institutions, including universities, to explore alternative energy sources.

Kenya receives an average of 4kWh-6kWh per square metre per day of solar insolation, making it ideal for solar power generation.

Partnerships

The Universities Fund boss stated that it is already in a deal with a local lender to finance the initiative in public universities in the country.

“By partnering with the Cooperative Bank of Kenya, we are making strides towards promoting sustainable energy solutions across all public universities in the country,” stated Monari.

“Climate action is a government priority, as highlighted in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda development plan. Equally, Sustainable Development Goal 13 commits Kenya to implementing climate action initiatives,” he added.

The CEO further added that providing solar to universities is a progressive and sustainable method that integrates higher education institutions with larger global efforts to battle climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

“This will create a pathway for universities to become pillars of the community and centres of excellence in terms of climate action in their respective jurisdictions. We aim to facilitate the transition of all universities to solar energy, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to Kenya’s clean energy goals,” he explained.

Leading the way

Strathmore University in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is one of the higher institutions of learning that is leading the way in solar energy adoption.

The university has installed a 600kW solar power plant on its rooftop, making it one of the largest solar installations in Kenya.

The project, funded through a partnership with a private-sector company, has helped the university to cut its electricity costs by up to 40%.

“Our comprehensive implementation plan includes feasibility studies, financing collaboration, technology assessment, installation, training and continuous monitoring and evaluation. One of the key features of our financing model is its emphasis on capacity-building,” noted Monari.

The growing significance of solar in Kenya to the national grid has prompted the state to draft regulations whereby homes and businesses will net off excess power at zero financial cost to Kenya Power, the power distributor.