Promoting people-centered decentralized renewable energy in Kenya

More than 35 per cent of Kenya’s population lack electricity, most of them living in rural areas. The situation is worse for Garissa County where electricity access is less than one per cent. This aggravates food insecurity, water scarcity and vulnerability to climate change. It affects the general health and well-being of residents in Garissa. The project installed solar mini grids to enable farmers to access new sources of water through solar powered pumping for agricultural purposes. In this way the project contributed to increase the access to renewable energy, providing 1,200 residents with environmentally friendly energy. With this the project enhanced the access to people-centred, environmentally as well as socially appropriate renewable energy. It improved community livelihoods and was further supported by informed and sustained advocacy that transformed the policy environment for renewables in Kenya.