How solar energy is gaining ground at the Coast

The growing reach  of solar energy companies into off-grid areas has  significantly shifted  local perceptions of  solar technology. Mr.  Juma Mwayogwe, a  resident of Golini in  Matuga Sub-county, Kwale County, illustrates this. 

Though his home is connected to the national electricity grid, Mr.  Mwayogwe opted to purchase a solar home system from SunKing in 2019 and upgraded it in early 2023. SunKing is one of the companies supported by KOSAP’s Results-Based Facility (RBF), managed by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. The facility provides financial incentives to companies that deal with solar and clean cooking systems to establish operations in underserved counties across Kenya.

“I first learned about the solar powered system through radio and TV adverts,” Mr. Mwayogwe said. “Even though I have grid power, I decided to buy the solar system because of frequent blackouts in the area.” Since purchasing the system, Mr.  Mwayogwe has become an enthusiastic advocate, encouraging neighbours and relatives to invest in solar solutions. He regularly refers potential customers to SunKing and praises the product’s reliability. “The system has worked flawlessly since we got it. On the rare occasions when there are some delays in reconnection after payment, the vendor is always quick to respond and resolve the issue,” he noted.

Mr. Mwayogwe also suggested that companies should consider offering rewards or tokens to customers who refer others as a way of showing appreciation and encouraging wider adoption of solar energy systems.