- Through the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), d.light will provide solar power and clean cooking solutions to over 150,000 people in 14 underserved counties.
- PayGo service allows low-income households to purchase d.light’s products on affordable instalment plans.
- d.light is a finalist for the 2024 Earthshot Prize, recognising its innovative clean energy and sustainability work.
d.light, a global provider of affordable household products, will participate in Kenya’s latest off-grid solar and clean cooking initiative. The Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), backed by the World Bank, aims to bring electricity and clean cooking solutions to rural areas. d.light plans to supply solar power and clean cooking products to over 150,000 people in regions without electricity access.
The initiative targets 14 counties, including West Pokot, Turkana, Marsabit, and others in northern, eastern, and southeastern Kenya. These areas have faced long-standing challenges with national grid connectivity. d.light’s Managing Director for Kenya, Karanja Njoroge, noted that despite Kenya’s economic growth, many rural communities still lack electricity and remain vulnerable to climate change impacts.
d.light will sell its products through its “PayGo” service, enabling customers to pay for instalments. This system aims to make solar energy more affordable for low-income households. d.light’s involvement fits under Component 2 of KOSAP, with a $15.7 million budget. Of this, $9.3 million goes toward off-grid solar solutions, and $6.4 million will fund clean cookstoves.
The Government of Kenya launched KOSAP in 2018 as part of its Vision 2030. Vision 2030 seeks to transform Kenya into a middle-income country with a high quality of life by 2030. The project addresses energy access gaps in remote areas, especially those disconnected from the national grid.
World Bank data from 2022 shows that 24% of Kenya’s 54 million people still lack electricity. In rural areas, this figure rises to over 34%. Clean cooking also remains a challenge, with only 30% of the population using clean fuels. Many still rely on polluting fuels like charcoal and kerosene, which pose health risks.
Karanja Njoroge highlighted KOSAP’s potential to improve lives in rural Kenya. He pointed to d.light’s extensive experience in the Kenyan market and its strong distribution network as critical advantages for reaching underserved communities. d.light, which launched its operations in Kenya in 2008, now bases its Africa headquarters in Nairobi.
The KOSAP program includes four components, covering mini-grids, standalone solar systems, and solar water pumps for community facilities. d.light’s role centres on delivering solar home systems and clean cookstoves, aligning with the project’s mission to expand energy access and promote sustainable living.
Beyond its involvement in KOSAP, d.light recently secured a spot as a finalist for the 2024 Earthshot Prize. Founded by Prince William, this prestigious environmental award recognises companies that develop innovative solutions to fight climate change. The prize winners will be announced in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 6.
d.light’s active participation in KOSAP and its recognition by the Earthshot Prize highlight the company’s commitment to providing clean energy solutions and improving people’s lives in underserved communities.