KNH invests Sh7.6 million in solar energy to lower electricity bills

Kenyatta National Hospital is preparing to install a solar power system in a major step towards cutting electricity costs, improving patient care and reducing its reliance on the national grid.

The hospital, which is the largest public referral facility in East Africa, hopes to lower its energy bills and reduce frequent power outages that often put critically ill patients at risk.

The project is being supported by EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank and Germany’s development agency GIZ.

It will receive a Sh7.6 million (€50,000) grant from the Cities Climate Finance Gap Fund, which is managed by the World Bank and EIB, to fund in-depth technical and financial studies needed to guide the installation and integration of the photovoltaic (PV) solar system.

With electricity costs rising and diesel generators only able to cover around 65 per cent of the hospital’s power needs during outages, KNH says the move to solar is crucial for uninterrupted healthcare services.

“Our goal is a climate-smart future. We are committed to supporting KNH in its transition to green electricity. The forthcoming technical studies will lay the ground for the successful implementation of the PV system,” said Edward Claessen, head of the EIB Regional Hub for East Africa.

GIZ will conduct the technical and financial assessments, focusing on KNH’s power consumption trends, how well solar can be integrated into existing infrastructure, any regulatory barriers, and the financial viability of the investment, including ongoing maintenance.

KNH chief executive Evanson Kamuri said the hospital expects to make major savings from reduced electricity bills, with the funds redirected towards core services such as medicine supply, staffing and infrastructure upgrades.

“This collaboration marks a significant step in our commitment to sustainable healthcare delivery. By integrating energy efficiency and climate-smart solutions, KNH is not only enhancing operational resilience but also setting a benchmark for environmentally responsible healthcare infrastructure in the region,” he noted.

The hospital currently has a 2,400-bed capacity and serves nearly two million patients every year.

Its energy needs have grown with increasing patient numbers and medical technology, but power cuts and high electricity charges remain a serious challenge.

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