Kenya has long been a beacon of renewable energy innovation in Africa, with nearly 90% of its electricity generated from clean sources like geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar. The country’s Vision 2030, aiming for 100% clean energy by 2030, has spurred a vibrant market for renewable energy vendors, particularly in solar power, where Kenya boasts one of the highest household solar ownership rates globally.
Yet, despite this progress, renewable energy vendors are facing a troubling challenge: a decline in climate change awareness campaigns, which is stifling demand and threatening their businesses. Among these vendors, Nusi Limited stands out as a resilient player, adapting to market shifts by venturing into e-mobility while urging the Kenyan government to stabilize tariffs to boost renewable energy uptake.
The dip in climate change awareness campaigns is a significant setback for Kenya’s renewable energy sector. In recent years, initiatives like the Africa Climate Summit 2023 highlighted Kenya’s leadership in clean energy, but sustained public engagement has waned. Previously, school campaigns and community-driven programs, such as those supported by USAID and Strathmore Energy Research Centre, played a crucial role in educating rural households about solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
These efforts drove adoption, with 200,000 rural homes now using solar home systems. However, reduced funding and focus on awareness have left many Kenyans, especially in remote areas, uninformed about the long-term benefits of renewable energy. This lack of awareness directly impacts vendors, as potential customers revert to cheaper, polluting alternatives like kerosene or firewood, undermining both environmental and economic goals. “During the the first two years of the Ruto administration, we saw lots of emphasis on climate change, but that shift by the Trump administration means that people have less and less awareness which means the drop back to old habits of using non-renewable energy”, said Nyambura, one of the vendors at Nusi.
Nusi Limited, a Nairobi-based renewable energy vendor, exemplifies the resilience needed in this challenging landscape. Established as a trusted supplier of solar panels, Nusi has catered to both residential and commercial clients, offering high-quality PV systems for lighting, water pumping, and irrigation. The company’s commitment to sustainability has kept it competitive in a market flooded with low-cost Chinese imports.
Recognising the evolving energy demands, Nusi is now angling to venture into e-mobility, developing solar-powered charging solutions for electric two- and three-wheelers. This move aligns with Kenya’s growing interest in decarbonising transport, as seen in Makueni County’s push for electric vehicles. By diversifying its portfolio, Nusi aims to tap into new revenue streams while advancing Kenya’s clean energy agenda.
However, Nusi’s ambitions are hampered by unstable electricity tariffs and declining awareness. The company has publicly called on the Kenyan government to implement stable, affordable tariffs to encourage renewable energy adoption. “The government should be able to provide a stable tariff environment so that we can also offer our customers a stable price range. When this doesn’t happen, people revert to non-renewable energy”, added Nasimiyu, a sales lady at Nusi.
In 2023, electricity prices surged by 77% after the removal of a 15% subsidy, making grid power less competitive and discouraging investment in renewables. Stable tariffs, Nusi argues, would incentivise households and businesses to switch to solar and other clean energy solutions, boosting demand for vendors’ products.
Additionally, reinvigorating awareness campaigns could educate consumers about the cost savings and environmental benefits of renewable energy, countering the perception that solar systems are unaffordable.
The Kenyan government has made strides in supporting renewables through policies like feed-in tariffs and VAT exemptions on solar equipment. Yet, without consistent awareness campaigns, these efforts fall short of their potential.
Vendors like Nusi Limited are pivotal to achieving Kenya’s clean energy goals, but they need a supportive ecosystem. Reviving nationwide climate change education, coupled with stable tariffs, could reignite demand, ensuring that Kenya’s renewable energy sector continues to thrive and lead Africa’s green transition.
