Chuanshan International Mining Company provided 160 solar panels and batteries to households in several Kenyan villages. This effort is designed to improve living standards and boost self-sufficiency in remote areas.
Solar Panels Transform Life in Baringo County
Doris Loruk Chepalat lives in a two-room semi-permanent house in Kenya's arid northwest Baringo County. Her homestead is surrounded by sparse vegetation, a stark reminder of the region's prolonged dry spell. The 40-year-old Chepalat, her husband, and their five children depend on subsistence farming and goat herding for their livelihood.
Until recently, Chepalat's family lacked modern electric appliances. They had no connection to the national grid. This meant they had to walk long distances to charge their mobile phones. "We have to walk far to the market centre just to charge our phones," Chepalat explained.
However, on Thursday, Chepalat's situation improved dramatically. Her family and several other villagers received a donation of 160 solar panels and batteries. This initiative resulted from a collaboration between the Chinese firm Chuanshan International Mining Company, the Shandong Provincial Government, and the Afridge Development Plan.
Empowering the Community and Improving Life Quality
Technicians from Chuanshan International installed a solar panel on Chepalat's roof. This new system allows her family to power two light bulbs, a radio, and charge their phones using solar energy. Chepalat is hopeful that her children will now be able to study late into the night. She believes this will improve their academic performance.
A solar panel installed by Chuanshan International powers Chepalat's home, improving her family’s quality of life and supporting her children's education.
Han Ke, general manager of Chuanshan International, described the donation as part of a broader initiative. The company's goal is to empower remote communities and improve their quality of life.
Li Hong, deputy director-general of the Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office noted that Shandong Province has developed a friendly cooperative relationship with Baringo County since last year. During their interactions, they discovered that many residents lacked electricity, leading to daily inconveniences.
Li explained that donating solar power equipment aims to address these needs. It is intended to help Kenyans achieve greater self-sufficiency. He also believes it will deepen the cooperation between Shandong Province and Baringo County, enhancing mutual understanding between the two regions.
Providing Off-Grid Solutions
Another beneficiary, Edgar Siywat also received a solar power kit for his household of three. The 28-year-old motorbike taxi operator highlighted the challenges posed by Baringo's remoteness. Connecting to the national grid is prohibitively expensive, which has diminished his family’s quality of life. Without electricity, they lacked television and other information sources.
A local administrator, Johannes Ogola pointed out that Kenya’s national electricity penetration is around 75 percent. However, residents in remote areas must rely on off-grid solutions like solar panels. Ogola noted that the government supports international partners' efforts to bring electricity to rural communities through innovative solutions such as solar power.
Another recipient of the solar panel donation, Gilbert Korinyang expressed his gratitude. The 31-year-old casual labourer said the solar panels would replace the kerosene lamp his household previously used. He noted that reducing his monthly expenditure on kerosene would free up more money to support his two children. Switching to solar energy would also help avoid the indoor pollution associated with kerosene lamps.
The solar panels not only bring practical benefits but also promise to improve the quality of life in these remote villages. As Kenya continues to explore renewable energy solutions, such international partnerships offer a beacon of hope for many families living in off-grid areas.