Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Kenya’s top paediatric hospital, has partnered with leading water and energy solutions provider Davis & Shirtliff to install a grid-tie solar power generation system to reduce dependency on national grid while cutting electricity cost and ensuring a stable and sustainable power supply to support uninterrupted medical services.
The newly commissioned system prioritises solar energy during daylight hours and automatically switches to the national grid when solar generation is insufficient. This hybrid setup enhances energy reliability while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
As part of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital’s long-term ESG strategy, the implementation of the new solar solution marks a significant milestone in their commitment to sustainability and responsible healthcare delivery. With this installation, approximately 30% of the hospital’s energy requirements will now be met through clean, renewable solar power leading to reduced carbon footprint.
“Grid-tie systems are especially cost-effective due to their low maintenance needs and long lifespan of 20 to 25 years,” said George Mbugua, CEO of Davis & Shirtliff, adding that the system includes a cloud-based solar monitoring platform that offers real-time performance tracking, system diagnostics, daily and monthly energy reports, and automated fault alerts.
Davis & Shirtliff led the design, installation, and commissioning of the system. Practical features such as rooftop walkways and water points were incorporated to simplify panel cleaning and maintenance, ensuring long-term efficiency.
“The grid-tie solar project is a strategic investment in both sustainability and operational efficiency. It allows us to redirect more resources to patient care and improves the reliability and cost-effectiveness of our services. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens our commitment to providing high-quality care in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Dr Robert Nyarango, CEO of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.
“This project is part of our journey toward green healthcare taking care of the planet while taking care of our patients,” Dr. Nyarango noted. “By embracing clean, renewable energy, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact but also creating long-term efficiencies that make healthcare more sustainable and affordable for the families we serve.
According to the 2025 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 91.1% of domestic electricity generation in 2024 came from renewable sources, with solar contributing 4%. As Kenya progresses toward its Net Zero carbon emissions target by 2050, investments in clean technologies like solar energy are essential to achieving a fair and sustainable transition. “To maintain long-term performance and cost savings, we have put in place a structured maintenance plan that includes regular system checks, performance monitoring, and servicing,” said Baraka Kerich, Chief Finance Officer at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. “We are also planning the next phase of the project to further improve energy efficiency.”
