The County Government of Garissa has distributed over 1,000 solar lanterns to the less privileged in the county.

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The distribution exercise which started on July 1 and ended on July 31, 2019, targeted the less fortunate in Masalani, Dadaab and Fafi Sub-Counties.

Environment, Energy and Natural Resources CeC Habon Adan Maalim said vulnerable communities who do not have access to electricity were given the free solar lanterns.

The pilot project targeted orphans, the elderly and off-grid poor households as the solar lanterns are alternatives to the kerosene ones.

The move is aimed at improving the health of the residents by shielding them from indoor air pollution.

Maalim who was speaking during the final distribution exercise in Garissa said the lanterns will improve the lives of the residents as they will be able to benefit from the cleaner and cheaper alternative.

“The lanterns will definitely offer the beneficiaries a chance to move forward towards better standards of living, despite the difficulties they continue to face,” said Maalim.

The lanterns will also enable the residents to extend their working hours thus increasing family incomes and also improving the quality of education.

The county government partnered with UNICEF-funded Energy 4 Impact in the project.