In parts of Kenya where power lines are few and blackouts are frequent, communities are turning to the sun for a solution. From Wajir to Mandera, families, schools, and hospitals are adopting solar power, not as a luxury, but as a way to survive rising electricity costs, unreliable supply, and the growing impacts of climate change. What started as a quiet shift is now transforming how entire regions power their lives.
In northeastern Kenya, counties like Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa are taking center stage in this transition. These regions, often left out of Kenya’s main power grid, have endured decades of power instability, frequent blackouts, and dependence on costly, polluting diesel generators. But today, thanks to solar technology, change is underway.
The push toward solar energy in remote Kenya is driven by a combination of necessity and opportunity:
- Unreliable Grid Supply: Wajir and Mandera are still not fully connected to the national power grid. Residents rely on outdated diesel generators operated by KenGen, which often break down and are expensive to maintain.
- Soaring Electricity Costs: With national power tariffs increasing steadily, many households and businesses in rural areas can no longer afford monthly electricity bills.
- Climate Adaptation: As extreme weather events become more frequent, solar energy offers a sustainable way to cope, especially in drought-prone areas where livelihoods are under stress.
Also read: Why Are Investors Pouring Millions into Off-Grid Solar in Kenya?
These realities are pushing communities to embrace solar not as an alternative, but as a necessity.
Mohammed Hassan’s Hospital
One powerful example is found in Wajir town, where Mohammed Hassan, a local entrepreneur and hospital owner, has completely transitioned to solar energy. Frustrated by unreliable power and constant rationing, Hassan invested in a solar setup that now runs his private hospital 24/7.
“For the past six months, our hospital has not experienced a single blackout,” Hassan shared. “The solar system powers critical machines, lighting, and lab equipment. We no longer fear interruptions during emergencies.”
This has not only improved healthcare services but also cut operational costs significantly. While his neighbors struggle with outages, Hassan’s facility remains fully functional.
The Rise of Solar Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship around solar is also gaining traction. Abdullahi Jama, a Wajir resident, is becoming a solar ambassador in his neighborhood. He started by installing solar at his own home and is now helping others navigate the shift.
“I get up to 20 people a day coming to ask questions about solar,” Jama says. “Many people want it but don’t understand how it works.”
Jama sources solar panels, batteries, and inverters from local dealers and educates clients on how to customize systems based on their energy needs. His small-scale venture is part of a broader pattern: solar is creating new livelihoods while delivering energy independence.
Solar Is Filling the Energy Gap
In areas like Garissa and Marsabit, households are increasingly installing basic solar home systems. These typically include a panel, battery, and LED lights, enough to power phones, bulbs, and radios. For many families, this is their first experience of clean, uninterrupted electricity.
Schoolteachers report improved study time for students, while shopkeepers enjoy longer business hours without needing noisy diesel generators.
“Before solar, our nights were dark,” says Fatuma Adan, a small trader in Garissa. “Now, I can run my shop into the night and even charge customers’ phones.”
Local NGOs and government partners have also stepped in with subsidized solar kits for schools and clinics, accelerating the momentum.
Kenya Power Feels the Impact
As more people unplug from the grid and install independent solar systems, Kenya Power, the country’s national utility, is facing financial strain. Rural consumers make up a significant portion of the utility’s coverage area, and the loss of even small-scale customers adds up.
The utility has warned of declining revenues due to increased self-generation by households and businesses using solar. While this presents challenges for Kenya Power’s long-term sustainability, it highlights the urgency for the utility to evolve, possibly by integrating more decentralized energy models or partnering with solar innovators.
Despite the gains, barriers still exist. These include:
- Initial Installation Costs: Though long-term savings are significant, upfront costs for a decent solar setup can be high for many rural families.
- Lack of Awareness: Many residents still lack information on solar options, financing, and maintenance.
- Market Flooding of Poor-Quality Products: Low-grade panels and batteries often fail, creating skepticism among users.
Also read: Why Remote Kenyan Communities Are Embracing Solar Power
However, the momentum is clear, and solutions are emerging. Pay-as-you-go solar companies are enabling people to install systems and pay over time. Training programs are equipping youth with solar installation skills. And community groups are spreading awareness through village-based forums.
