NAROK, Kenya, May 31 – Healthcare delivery in Narok County has received a vital boost following the successful installation of a solar power system at CHP Talek Health Centre, thanks to a partnership between Davis & Shirtliff, Huawei, The Maa Trust, and the Saruni Basecamp Foundation.
The newly commissioned 15kW solar system, supported by 30kWh of battery storage, marks the first time the rural facility has access to clean, reliable electricity, ending years of dependence on an expensive diesel generator that cost over KSh 300,000 per month and often triggered service disruptions.
“We are using Kenya’s abundant sunshine to power critical infrastructure,” said Edward Davis, Managing Director at Davis & Shirtliff. “This fits perfectly with our Improving Lives initiative.”
The upgrade, 50% funded by the Saruni Basecamp Foundation, now powers medical equipment, refrigeration, lighting, and essential services, significantly improving patient care and facility sustainability.
“This is a turning point for patient safety and our financial health,” said Dr. Crystal Mogensen of The Maa Trust. “Reliable power allows us to focus on growing the centre from a Level 3B to Level 4 facility.”
Huawei, which supplied the solar equipment, highlighted the impact on maternal and child health outcomes in a region where Kenya’s under-five mortality rate is 34.8 per 1,000 and maternal mortality is 342 per 100,000.
“Unreliable electricity causes deaths. That’s the reality,” said Collins Mulei, Huawei’s Technical Services Manager. “We’re proud to provide clean, affordable energy that’s saving lives.”
Facility Manager Eric Otieno noted the daily difference: “We used to go over two weeks without stable electricity. Now, power is constant. This upgrade is mission-critical.”
Originally focused on women and children, CHP Talek has expanded into a regional health hub, serving tens of thousands across Narok. The solar power project directly supports Kenya’s efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3 and realize Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
With this initiative, the partners have not only improved service delivery but also created a blueprint for scalable, sustainable health infrastructure powered by green energy.
