By Abdullahi Jamaa | Wajir Today
Wajir’s unreliable, diesel-powered electricity supply is quietly fueling a steady shift towards renewable energy. As Kenya Power struggles to provide consistent service, more residents and institutions are turning to solar energy as a cleaner, more dependable alternative.
For years, Wajir residents have pleaded to be connected to the national power grid, their cries have largely gone unanswered. Frequent blackouts have paralyzed local businesses, schools, and hospitals, turning what should be ordinary operations into daily battles for power.
The town’s residents have nicknamed the utility company “Kenya Powerless,” a reflection of deep frustration built over years of outages. Power cuts are no longer met with complaints, people have simply adapted, adjusting to life with or without electricity.
Kenya Power says about 35% of Wajir is currently undergoing eight-hour daily rationing, citing the breakdown of a key generator.
“Our generation partner is actively working on its restoration and we expect it to be back in service within a week,” said Mr. Hassan Issack, KPLC County Business Manager.
But many residents have lost hope that things will change. Local leadership has fallen silent, and the people of Wajir are now solving the problem on their own, with solar.
Mohamed Hassan, who runs a private healthcare facility, says switching to solar was life-changing. “The solar energy is efficient to run our facility. It was really hectic to rely on Kenya Power,” he said. For him, solar has not only reduced operational costs but also brought peace of mind.
Khalif, another resident, adds: “This is notice to Kenya Power. We are moving towards solar, no more bills.”
Efforts to modernise Wajir’s energy supply remain stalled. Nine years ago, the government, through the then-Rural Electrification Authority (REA), pledged to set up a 60KW solar plant in Wajir. That promise remains unfulfilled.
Last year, during President William Ruto’s visit to Wajir, Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) CEO Dr. Rose Mkalama announced plans to construct 120 solar-powered mini-grids in 14 off-grid counties under the World Bank-funded Kenya Off-grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), with Wajir among the beneficiaries.
According to KPLC, currently plans for a solar power plant are at an advanced stage. The project is expected to provide a more stable and reliable power supply for the county.
“We remain optimistic, as plans for a solar power plant are at an advanced stage,” said Mr. Issack.
But on the ground, residents are taking charge. Companies like Solargen Technologies are seeing a surge in demand for home and commercial solar installations.
“Our main clients are NGOs, residential and commercial entities,” said Solargen’s Regional Manager Mr. Ahmed Hassan Ibrahim. “We receive 15 to 20 walk-ins daily. Most people want to know how to switch to solar.”
According to Mr. Ahmed, diesel-generated power is no longer viable for a fast-growing town like Wajir. “We have the sun. What Wajir needs now is clean, solar energy,” he noted.
Most of his clients initially request solar backup systems to survive daily rationing, but Ahmed says those who can afford it, should consider full solar grids.
“People don’t know how far solar can take them. With a high-capacity setup, you reduce bills and gain reliable power,” he said.
In Wajir, the age of solar is no longer a futuristic vision. It’s a growing reality, powered by frustration, resilience, and the blazing sun overhead.
