Pupils from rural schools in Machakos County not connected to the national power grid have reason to smile after solar energy company d.light Kenya provided them with free solar panels and lights. The lighting of rural schools is a joint initiative of d.light Kenya and European Investment Bank.
d.light Managing Director Alex Olum says majority of rural schools remain disadvantaged due to lack of power to enable pupils learn and compete especially with those in urban areas who use electricity.
“At d.light Kenya we are looking at providing clean energy and unlocking a brighter future for as many pupils as possible especially those from rural areas where there is little or no power connectivity at all,” Olum says.
Among the Schools that have benefited from the project are Nzoiani, Kakulutuini, Kyamboo and Malatani Primary Schools in Machakos County. Addressing the press after receiving solar panels and lights from d.light, Nzoiani Head teacher Shedrack Ivalo said the school lacked power, which had affected normal learning for quite some time.
“Initially we had solar lanterns but all are now worn out so we are unable to conduct our early morning and evening lessons,” he said. “We are in dire need of lighting to facilitate these lessons so as the improve academic standards.”
The school has a population of more than 200 pupils and only class eight is connected to power.
Kakulutuini Primary School head teacher, Mr Stanley Kiua, lauded d.light Kenya for supporting education through provision of lighting devices which will enable the pupils in rural areas attend both early morning and evening lessons.
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His sentiments were echoed by his counterpart at Kyamboo Primary School, Onesmus Kyalo who noted that only one class was connected to electricity. Matalani Primary School headteacher, Stephen Sayiore, said that the lighting project in his school will not only provide sufficient lighting for learning but will also boost security to ensure the school’s properties and equipment are safe at night.
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