Q&A: Solar powering water solutions in Kenya

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About seven in every 10 people in Kenya have access to safe drinking water. In rural areas, this figure drops to just half of the population. Solar power is solving this problem, mostly in rural areas where there is no access to the grid. This week, Renewables Rising interviewed two hydrogeologists to shed light on the solar market trends in both rural and urban areas.

• Mr. Dan Kiso holds a Master's in Hydrogeology from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. He has over seven years of experience in the water sector. Currently, he is the Managing Director at GroundWatch Global Ltd.

• Mr. Brian Kemboi works as the Lead Consultant at Biotech Solutions Ltd. He has specialised in groundwater, solarisation, and geotechnical investigation, primarily focusing on solar and borehole matters.

More details

What is the share of boreholes you drill in rural areas that use solar for pumping, compared to those that use grid electricity?

Mr. Kiso: In rural areas, solar pumping is nearly 100%. Regions like Tana River, Turkana, and Wajir in Northeastern Kenya depend solely on solar panels. NGOs supporting these communities invest in solar due to its sustainability. 

How does this compare to urban areas like Nairobi, where electricity is readily available, and clients have choices to make?

Mr. Kemboi: Off-grid solar is still dominant. However, in urban areas, they mainly depend on the hybrid systems, combining solar with the grid or backup generators for reliability during poor weather or high-demand periods. It's a 50-50 split, but solar is given 80% preference, with the grid used 20% during poor weather. There's huge potential in off-grid solar solutions.

You mentioned significant off-grid potential. In which sectors exactly do you see this?

Mr. Kemboi: There's huge potential in off-grid irrigation, livestock watering, and community water supply due to solar's sustainability. Water vendors also largely depend on solar. Solar pumping reduces reliance on grid power, which is vital in remote areas. Hybrid systems also present an opportunity as people seek to cut their high electricity bills.

Which regions in Kenya offer more potential?

Mr. Kiso:  Northeastern Kenya  counties like Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Samburu, and Turkana, which have low electricity access. But they have a high advantage given the many sun hours they get per day. 

For urban projects, how is financing handled? Do clients pay upfront, or are you involved in financing solar panel systems?

Mr. Kiso: In urban areas, private individuals typically install these systems. For water-selling kiosks, the revenue generated covers the operation and maintenance of the solar-powered water supply system. Individual owners typically take loans or self-finance.

What could be the percentage for those who look for financing solutions?

Mr. Kemboi: Clients often face high upfront costs. Many secure loans or use pay-as-you-go models, with about 80% opting for financing. While projects offer long-term savings, the initial investment is a major barrier for smallholders and communities. 

What are the main challenges in this sector based on the projects you have handled?

Mr. Kemboi: Key challenges are system sustainability (ensuring proper maintenance and user training) and upfront costs. While pumps save money long-term, the initial investment remains a significant barrier.

Mr. Kiso: I'd also highlight the technical capability required for solar system installation. This is a challenge, especially in rural areas, increasing expert costs. The initial cost of solar panels and pump installation is also quite high. 

What government support exists, or what should the government do to facilitate sector growth? What's your outlook for the market in the next 5 to 10 years?

Mr. Kemboi: The market will grow rapidly as solar component prices fall and awareness increases. The government could offer subsidies and incentives (tax breaks, grants) to reduce upfront costs. They could also invest in grid infrastructure improvements to handle decentralised solar power and support local manufacturing. Public awareness campaigns and integrating solar into rural electrification are also crucial. I believe the market will expand rapidly as solar becomes more affordable.

Mr. Kiso: The government should implement lenient policies on green energy. Development organisations should also support green energy initiatives. The government should introduce subsidised certificate courses in public institutions to train more technicians in green energy and solar systems. This would equip them to support experts like us who rely on solar technology for water provision.