The project

Synonymous with rural life, 60% of Busia County inhabitants rely on kerosene as the main source of lighting. Madenyo Village, home to Emily Obinda, is one of the densely populated villages with a bee hive of small-scale economic activities but still reliant on firewood and kerosene for heating and lighting. The price of kerosene is higher than in the capital City – Nairobi by 30% due to long transportation.

Despite easily available small-scale business opportunities, Emily’s purchasing power is still low. With school going children, combined household income from her husband’s driving employment is barely enough. The family spends USD 5 per week for paraffin which is unsustainable in the long run as family basic needs keep increasing.

Emily believes that by saving USD 5 per week, having clean lighting for the family and children studying in the night safely is a big leap. This can be achieved by installing an affordable solar home lighting package comprising 3 bulbs, a solar panel, battery, radio and a phone charger all going for USD 117. It will take her 10 months to fully repay the loan which gives her freedom to build small savings after paying off the loan. She shall also hire someone to oversee phone charging arm of revenue stream for the family.

In her world, this is transformation that is made possible by tapping from unending Solar energy. It is also an asset building mechanism; owning a radio and other solar accessories is no mean achievement for her family.