Nairobi street lights project to usher in 24 hour economy initiative

09th October, 2014
The government has kicked off a Shs.10 billion initiative to promote a 24 hour economy by rehabilitating street lights in Nairobi City County.

The National Treasury has already released Shs.381.2 million to Kenya Power, the national electricity distributor, to commence the exercise in the City.

“Currently we are mapping areas where there are streetlights on Kenya Power infrastructure in conjunction with the County government officials, for the initial rehabilitation, as work continues to identify other street lighting that requires attention ” said the utility’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Ben Chumo.

Nairobi City County has approximately 24,000 street lights and 7,300 public lighting masts which cover about 30% of City. About 40% of these lights are not in operation hence the need for capital investment for refurbishment at an estimated cost of Shs.953million.

New infrastructure to cover the remaining 70% consists of about 12,959 public lighting masts and 54,029 street lighting points at a capital investment estimated to cost Shs.9.841 billion.

Dr Chumo noted that currently, business transactions and productive activities are restricted to daytime operations due to perceptions and experiences of insecurity associated with poor nighttime visibility.

Good lighting directly deters criminal activities by increasing the sense of personal safety as well as protection of property, said Dr Chumo adding that in order to achieve a 24 hour economy, there is need to provide adequate public lighting to industrial and residential areas, commercial centers, roads, railway and public transport facilities.

The government’s goal is to facilitate provision of sustainable, efficient and effective public lighting in all counties, he explained adding that Nairobi City County was selected first as it is the seat of Government and contributes 55% of GDP.

Priority areas in the city as resources become available would be implemented in the following areas where production and commerce takes place and workers live and commute to:
1. Industrial Areas: Baba Dogo, Kariobangi Light Industries, Industrial Area.
2. SMEs and Jua Kali: Kamukunji; Gikomba. 3. Business Centres: CBD, Buruburu, Westlands, Eastleigh, Kahawa West, Embakasi.

Ends…..

For more information, contact:
Kenya Power Corporate Communications Dept.
Tel. 3201622/39or/47
E-mail communications@kenyapower.co.ke