Entrepreneurs in Nairobi make the case for going solar

Entrepreneurs in Nairobi are championing solar energy solutions to address electricity access gaps and support local businesses. Milcah Wanjiru, a shop owner in Nairobi, utilizes a solar-powered grain mill, a significant departure from the diesel-powered mills common in many low-income areas. This solar mill allows her to offer corn flour milling services, a staple for dishes like ugali, and has also led her to stock other goods due to customer demand. The economics of solar technology have improved dramatically, with panel costs dropping from approximately $3 per watt a few years ago to just cents. Matt Carr, CEO and cofounder of Agsol, the company that designed Wanjiru's mill, is actively seeking customer feedback to refine the product. Wanjiru highlighted an issue with the mill occasionally jamming or slowing down, which Carr explained is a result of the machine automatically reducing speed when encountering damp grain to maximize flour extraction. Kenya aims for universal electricity access by 2030, with off-grid solar playing a crucial role in reaching communities not yet connected to the national grid, which is already largely powered by renewables. This initiative supports the nation's goal of expanding energy access without increasing emissions.