On 20th April 2026, Alupe University marked a major milestone with the commissioning of a solar street lighting project by the Teso South Member of Parliament, Hon. Mary Emaase, significantly enhancing security, safety, and improving the campus environment.
The project follows a directive issued by H. E. the President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto in October 2025, instructing the area leadership to engage the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) to implement solar lighting across the University.
With the completion of Phase 1, the campus is now better illuminated, enabling students and staff to move freely and safely at night. The initiative directly addresses long-standing security concerns, particularly along pathways connecting the University to student hostels.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Emaase described the project as a transformative step in improving student welfare. She noted that many students previously faced challenges moving between the campus and their residences after dark.
“We are grateful that the promise made by the Head of State to install street lights has been fulfilled. This will greatly enhance security for our students,” she said. Beyond improving security, the solar lighting is expected to create a more conducive academic environment by allowing students to extend their study hours, particularly in the library and other learning spaces.
Hon. Emaase also called on the government to fast-track additional development commitments to the University, including tarmacking of internal roads and pathways, fencing of the entire campus, and provision of a reliable water supply from the recently commissioned dam.
Alupe University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Barasa, emphasized that insecurity, especially along access roads to hostels, had been a major concern for the institution. “We are commissioning this lighting project in response to serious security challenges, particularly along hostel access routes. I appreciate the swift intervention by the President and the support of our area MP in making this possible,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the project reflects a shared commitment to the growth and transformation of Alupe University, the only public university in the region specializing in science and health programmes.
He further underscored the need to follow up on additional government support to expand infrastructure and strengthen the University’s capacity to attract more students, an undertaking the area MP, Hon. Emaase, pledged to champion.
Photo: (R-L) Prof Peter Barasa, VC, Alupe University hosting Hon. Mary Emaase, MP Teso South (middle), and Hon. James Ong’ole Ang’orom Ward MCA, during the Commissioning for solar lighting project at AU
Photo: A section of Alupe University brightly shining with the newly installed solar lights
Photo: Hon Mary Emaase alongside other dignitaries being received by the Vice Chancellor for the commissioning of the solar street lighting at Alupe
Photo: Student leaders join the VC and other staff ahead of the commissioning of solar lights at Alupe University
