In the sprawling Kakuma refugee camp in northwestern Kenya, a section shines brightly against the twilight, thanks to innovative solar technology from the Chinese mainland.
The Kakuma Three refugee camp, home to approximately 288,000 individuals from nine countries including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, and the Democratic People’s Republic of the Congo, now benefits from a sustainable energy solution. This transformation is spearheaded by Vasco Hamisi, a refugee who arrived in Kakuma in 2010 and has become a pivotal figure in introducing renewable energy to the camp.
Inspired by the region’s abundant sunlight, Hamisi envisioned a solar-powered future for the camp. Without initial funding, his dream seemed out of reach until 2018, when he won a grant challenge competition. This victory awarded him $275,000 to develop Okapi Green Energy, a solar power project.
“I began looking for a viable solution to supply electricity and discovered that the Chinese mainland has developed affordable and reliable technology to convert sunshine into electricity,” Hamisi explained in a recent interview.
After securing approvals from local government bodies, Hamisi partnered with Chinese firm Jinko Solar to install a 20-kilowatt power plant. By 2021, Okapi Green Energy was up and running, providing electricity to 150 households and 50 businesses within the refugee camp.
The success of the project is set to expand further, with plans to partner with Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd to increase capacity to 2.4 megawatts in the coming months.
One notable beneficiary is Desantos Theophile Byizigiro, who runs an entertainment joint at Kakuma. Before the solar grid, Byizigiro relied on a costly generator that caused significant noise and smoke. Now, with reliable solar power, his business thrives, reducing daily electricity costs from approximately $15.5 to $3.9 and enhancing client satisfaction.
Hamisi’s initiative not only brings light to the camp but also fosters economic growth and improves the quality of life for its residents, demonstrating the transformative impact of green technology in humanitarian settings.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
