Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenya’s largest and oldest referral facility, is set to benefit from technical assistance by the European Investment Bank’s development branch, EIB Global, in a project aimed at expanding and greening its energy supply.
The Nairobi-based public hospital, which serves around 2 million patients annually and has a capacity of 2,400 beds, will receive advisory support on installing a solar-power system to enhance electricity access, reduce dependence on the unreliable grid, and lower carbon emissions.
“The European Investment Bank’s development arm (EIB Global) will help Kenya’s largest hospital expand and green its energy a statement from EIB.
The initiative is supported by a grant of Ksh 7.3 million (€50,000) from the Cities Climate Finance Gap Fund, a joint initiative of the EIB and the World Bank.
German development agency GIZ will partner with EIB Global to implement the assistance through technical studies and financial assessments for the planned photovoltaic (PV) system.
Tackling Energy Challenges in KNH Healthcare
Currently, KNH grapples with high grid electricity costs and frequent power outages, which force it to rely on diesel generators that supply only 65 per cent of its power needs.
This situation endangers the lives of critically ill patients and strains the hospital’s operating budget.
The planned PV system is expected to reduce electricity costs, increase energy independence, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery in critical care areas.
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Savings from the energy bills will be redirected to priority areas such as staff recruitment, procurement of medical supplies, and facility upgrades- according to the Hospital’s management.
Towards Climate-Smart Healthcare
In his remarks, Edward Claessen, Head of EIB’s Regional Hub for East Africa said the project will mark a major step towards KNH’s realization of a climate-smart future.
“This support is a step toward a climate-smart future. The technical studies will pave the way for the successful implementation of the solar project at KNH,” said Edward Claessen, Head of EIB’s Regional Hub for East Africa.
GIZ will oversee technical and financial evaluations, including assessing KNH’s current energy consumption, system integration feasibility, financial modelling, and regulatory compliance.
Regional Benchmark in Green Energy
On his part, KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri noted that the collaboration will mark a significant step in its commitment to sustainable healthcare goals.
“This collaboration marks a significant step in our commitment to sustainable healthcare. Integrating climate-smart solutions enhances our resilience and sets a benchmark for environmentally responsible infrastructure in the region,” KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri stated.
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The partnership aims to provide concrete recommendations that will enable KNH to achieve a reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly energy system, aligning with broader goals of sustainable urban development under the Gap Fund initiative.
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