By Obegi Malack
Residents of Keekonyokie Ward in Kajiado West Constituency will benefit from a solar project aimed at boosting electricity supply in the region.
The project dubbed Osoonorua Water Project which will occupy 80 acres, will be installed by international investors. It will supply alternative energy to Kenya Power and Lighting Company besides initiating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) community projects.
Alex Pemba who represents the community in the project said they have proposed to the investors to upgrade a local hospital, put up a market and construct a bridge among other projects. The residents underwent training and were given solar lamps. “We will work with the investors to ensure the CSR projects are initiated and locals trained on the use of solar energy,” he added.
David Marima said the solar lamps will be of benefit, adding that they had been using lamps that use paraffin which is expensive. He called on investors to look into the possibility of giving more solar panels to local residents. Most people use firewood which has contributed to deforestation, he noted.
“The donation of solar lamps is a boost to education since school going children will be using the lamps. The region has been performing dismally in KCPE and KCSE examinations,” Marima observed.