Bungoma Signs Solar Deal for 119 Hospitals with KCB, Sentec ltd.
In a significant step toward sustainable healthcare and reliable energy access, the Bungoma County Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KCB Bank in collaboration with Sentimental Energy Company Limited commonly known as Sentec Limited. This landmark agreement will facilitate the installation of solar power systems in 119 hospitals and health facilities across Bungoma County, aiming to enhance the quality and reliability of healthcare services while promoting environmental sustainability.
The project addresses longstanding challenges faced by many public health facilities in rural and semi-urban areas, including frequent power outages, high electricity costs, and reliance on expensive diesel generators. By transitioning to solar energy, the hospitals will benefit from uninterrupted power supply for critical equipment such as lighting, refrigeration for vaccines and medicines, diagnostic machines, and life-support systems—ultimately improving patient care and potentially saving lives.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Bungoma town, Governor Kenneth Lusaka hailed the partnership as a game-changer for the county's health sector. He emphasized that the initiative would make healthcare delivery more accessible and efficient for residents while contributing to broader environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Governor Lusaka noted that such collaborations align with the county's vision of resilient, green infrastructure that supports both human development and climate action.
He said,"By partnering with KCB a forward looking institution to solarize our health facilities we are making deliberate statement that quality health care must be reliable ,resilient and environmentally responsible"
Anastacia Kimtai, Managing Director of KCB Bank Kenya, highlighted the project's far-reaching impact on the local community. She explained that the partnership leverages KCB's innovative green financing solutions to make renewable energy affordable and scalable. By enabling access to improved, reliable power in healthcare settings, the initiative will directly benefit thousands of Bungoma residents who rely on these facilities for essential medical services, from routine check-ups to emergency care.
Paul Simiyu Mabonga, Managing Director and Founder of Sentec Limited, expressed strong optimism about the project's outcomes. As a leading renewable energy firm with extensive experience in solar installations across Kenya and the region , Sentec is a well-positioned to execute the rollout efficiently. Mabonga stressed that the MoU represents a vital step in saving patient lives by ensuring hospitals remain operational during power disruptions, while also advancing the county government's efforts to deliver high-quality, modern healthcare services.
He said,"As indicated the project represents a desicion that takes this county forward in ensuring the lives of patients in the county hospitals are fully taken care of by providing sustainable electricity."
This solar initiative is part of a growing trend in Kenya toward decentralizing renewable energy in the health sector, where facilities often face high energy bills and unreliable grid power. Similar projects in other counties have demonstrated substantial cost savings and operational improvements, and Bungoma's scale—covering 119 facilities—makes this one of the more ambitious efforts to date. The involvement of KCB provides critical financing support, while Sentec brings technical expertise in design, installation, and maintenance of solar PV systems.
Overall, the agreement underscores the power of public-private partnerships in addressing development challenges. It not only promises more reliable healthcare for Bungoma's residents but also sets a positive example for environmental stewardship in the region.
