By Issa Hussein - Reporter
June 24, 2026 - Residents of selected cluster settlement villages in Tana River County are set to benefit from a new solar energy project aimed at improving access to clean and reliable electricity.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced that installation of solar power systems in the beneficiary villages will commence next month as part of ongoing efforts to enhance living conditions in settlements established through donor-supported housing programmes in the county.
IOM Engineer in Charge, Robert Kandagor, visited Hola on Wednesday and began site assessments to identify suitable locations for the project. The initiative will involve the installation of 260 solar panels across the selected settlements.
Under the programme, each beneficiary household will receive two 103-watt solar panels, providing residents with a sustainable source of energy for domestic use.
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Speaking during a briefing with county officials led by County Secretary Mwanajuma Hiribae at the Sub-County Administrators' Office in Hola, Kandagor said community members would also be trained on the installation, operation, and maintenance of the solar systems to ensure long-term sustainability.
"The project is not only about providing electricity but also equipping residents with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain the systems and maximize their benefits," he said.
County Secretary Hiribae welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant boost for communities living in the cluster villages. She noted that access to solar power would improve security, support livelihoods, and create new economic opportunities for residents.
The project builds on housing programmes previously implemented in Tana River County with support from development partners, which sought to provide safe and durable settlements for vulnerable communities. The addition of solar energy infrastructure is expected to enhance the quality of life in the villages by expanding access to lighting and other essential services.
County officials expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to socio-economic development while promoting the use of renewable energy in the region.