By DAVID MUGUNYU
Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau has launched an ambitious programme to install solar-powered high mast floodlights in rural trading centres, aiming to extend business hours, boost local economic activity, and enhance security in the county’s towns.
The initiative comes as a relief to traders who have been forced to close their businesses early after multimillion-shilling security floodlights installed by the county government went off more than a year ago. The blackout was caused by poor maintenance and unpaid electricity bills, leaving towns shrouded in darkness and vulnerable to criminal activity. Residents reported increased incidents of mugging and theft, while traders faced declining earnings due to limited operating hours.
Late last year, Githabai MCA Rimui Kaiyani raised concerns in the County Assembly about the state of urban lighting projects since 2022. He demanded details on the number of floodlights installed per ward, how many were non-functional, and explanations for their failure. Kaiyani argued that despite significant public funds being spent, many streetlights and floodlights remained unserviced, creating insecurity and frustration among residents and traders.
To avoid repeating the electricity bill challenges that led Kenya Power to disconnect the lights, Gitau chose to install solar-powered floodlights, which do not rely on the national grid. Among the first towns to benefit from the programme are Mutonyora in Kinangop, Mawingu in Kipipiri, and Kaptein in Ol Kalou.
During the commissioning of a floodlight at Mawingu centre, Gitau emphasized that proper lighting in rural markets and known crime hotspots would significantly reduce insecurity. “Small-scale traders can now extend their business operating hours, boost the night economy, and improve their incomes,” she said, noting that criminals who previously hid in dark corners would no longer have places to operate.
Gitau added that the contractor responsible for installation would remain on site for six months to ensure all lights function correctly. Beyond floodlights, she pledged to lobby for modern markets and improved water access in rural trading centres to provide safer and more hygienic business environments for traders.
Residents welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention. Ithagi Njoroge said the solar-powered floodlights would end rampant mugging in Mawingu town, while Francis Gitau noted that Kinamba trading centre in Kinangop urgently needed a similar solution, as the county-installed electricity-powered lights there had malfunctioned over a year ago and had yet to be repaired.
With this initiative, Faith Gitau aims to transform rural trading centres into safer, more productive spaces, supporting both economic growth and community wellbeing.
