In a significant step forward for water security in Kenya, charity organization GivePower, with funding from ServiceNow, has officially inaugurated two new Solar Water Farms in the communities of Migadini and Makindu. This expansion increases GivePower’s footprint in the country to 12 such facilities, collectively delivering clean drinking water to a population nearing one million people daily.
The newly launched systems are projected to serve over 100,000 individuals by providing a reliable and affordable source of safe water. At the heart of each Solar Water Farm is a sophisticated desalination process powered entirely by solar energy. This technology effectively treats brackish or saltwater sources, removing harmful contaminants like fluoride, bacteria, and viruses to produce potable water.
During the launch ceremony in Migadini, Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir expressed his gratitude for the partnership. “I pledged to the Mombasa community that I would seek novel approaches to tackle the deficiency we encounter in providing clean, fresh water to our neighbourhoods,” he stated, emphasizing the project’s role in fulfilling that promise through innovative solutions.
This initiative is part of a broader trend across Kenya where renewable energy is being harnessed to solve critical infrastructure challenges. Similar efforts are underway to empower the nation’s diverse communities, from providing solar-powered irrigation for farmers to installing off-grid PV systems that deliver clean water and cold storage to coastal fishing communities.
Echoing the governor’s sentiments, Mombasa County’s CECM for Water, Natural Resources and Climate Change Resilience, Emily Achieng Okelo, highlighted the project’s strategic importance. “It represents our dedication to utilising renewable energy sources to improve climate change resilience and water security,” she remarked, framing the Solar Water Farm as a major advancement in sustainable development.
The collaboration between GivePower and ServiceNow, which now includes four Solar Water Farms and four electrification projects, underscores a deep commitment to the region. Tim Muindi, General Vice President of Treasury at ServiceNow, affirmed the company’s dedication to supporting Kenya with green infrastructure. Lyndsay Harris-Kyei, ServiceNow’s senior director of ESG social strategy, added that GivePower is an ideal partner in their global mission to use clean technology for impactful change.
Engineered for longevity, each GivePower Solar Water Farm is designed to operate for more than two decades, addressing a critical global issue. Currently, over 1.42 billion people, including 450 million children, reside in areas of high water vulnerability, a crisis that perpetuates disease and inequality. Michele Magee, President of GivePower, thanked all partners for their collaboration in ensuring communities in need gain access to safe, reliable, and affordable water through this sustainable model.
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