04/02/2026
Through a partnership with the University of Nairobi (UoN), Makueni County will pilot the application of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor technology to optimise the capacity and performance of renewable energy infrastructure in the healthcare and water sectors. The initiative is expected to improve the energy conversion efficiency of existing infrastructure by up to 30 per cent.
The pilot was announced on Wednesday during a consultative meeting between county officials and the University of Nairobi. It will be implemented under the Compound Semiconductor-Enabled Renewable Energy Systems for Powering Critical Buildings in Africa project, led by UoN’s Department of Physics.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. welcomed the initiative, noting that it will support technology and skills transfer to county staff while significantly reducing electricity costs and stabilize power for facilities offering critical services to the residents of Makueni.