Kenyatta University entrance. [Photo/NairobiWire]

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Kenyatta University (KU) has switched on the first phase of a Sh1.7 billion solar plant.

The plant will enable the institution generate its own electricity and offload excess power onto the national grid.

The 100 kilowatt(KW) solar plant, cost an estimated Sh17 million. 

It is projected that the entire 10-megawatt project will cost Sh1.7 billion.

The extra power produced in phase two will be connected to the national grid in a bid to generate revenue.

Phase one of the plant was developed by France-based solar panels manufacturer Urbasolar through funding from the French government. It occupies about three acres.