Kenya’s public universities are set to gain access to financing for clean energy projects as KCB Bank Group expands its support for greener campuses. The partnership comes as universities face rising operating costs and a Sh28 billion funding gap.
KCB will provide financing capacity and partnerships for clean energy and resource efficiency projects. Meanwhile, the State Department for Higher Education and Research will provide the government framework for implementation.
The programme will cover several areas, including solar power and energy efficiency. It will also support clean cooking, waste management, biogas systems, solar water heating and rainwater harvesting.
Participating universities will first undergo energy audits and consumption assessments. This will help determine the most suitable systems for each campus. The partnership comes as public universities struggle with financial pressure. In July 2026, the Universities Fund warned Parliament that institutions faced a Sh28 billion budget gap.
The funding gap affects recurrent obligations such as salaries and utility costs. Therefore, reducing energy expenses could help institutions manage some of their operating pressures.
KCB Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai said the bank wants to help universities overcome difficulties in accessing capital. She added that financing and partnerships would support investment in clean energy.
The programme will also have an education component. According to the Ministry of Education, students and university technicians will gain practical experience in solar systems.
They will learn how to design and install the systems. They will also gain skills in operating and maintaining solar equipment. The memorandum of understanding was signed in September 2026. It brings together KCB and the State Department as universities seek more sustainable ways to manage their resources.
The initiative could therefore serve both financial and environmental goals. Universities would gain access to cleaner energy solutions, while students and technicians could develop practical skills in the growing renewable energy sector.