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The African Energy Commission (AFREC) has convened the second session of its continental training on Renewable Energy Project Planning, Development and Financing in Cairo, scaling up efforts to strengthen Africa’s capacity to translate renewable energy strategies into bankable and implementable projects.

The session, running from 15 – 19 December, and delivered with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) in collaboration with Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), builds on the inaugural session held in Nairobi in November, bringing together more than 40 senior officials and technical experts from African Union Member States.

Hosted by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Cairo training covers the full renewable energy project lifecycle, including planning and resource assessment, financing and procurement, construction, and grid integration. The training reflects a growing demand among AU Member States for practical skills to move renewable energy projects from policy ambition to construction and operation.

Opening the session, Mr. Rashid Ali Abdallah, Executive Director of AFREC, emphasised that Africa’s energy transition now depends as much on delivery capacity as on policy commitments. “Africa’s energy future will not be built by ambition alone, but by people equipped with the right skills to turn plans into projects,” said Mr. Abdallah, noting that limited technical and institutional capacity remains a binding constraint to renewable energy deployment.

Meanwhile, Major General Mohamed Osama Essa, the Undersecretary for International Cooperation and Agreements, Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy of Egypt lauded the training as a direct investment in enhancing collective expertise in Africa. “In the journey toward a truly modern African energy system, our most precious resource is our Human Capital. This training is not merely about transferring technical knowledge; it is about fostering a new generation of African energy leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of grid modernisation, renewable energy integration, and climate change mitigation.”

The Renewable Energy training forms part of AFREC’s Comprehensive Capacity Building Programme, a flagship initiative aligned with its mandate as the African Union’s specialized energy agency. AFREC’s continental skills assessments highlight that barriers to renewable energy deployment are not only financial, but also technical, institutional, and procedural.

Designed as a practice-oriented programme, the Cairo training combines technical sessions with interactive case studies, group work, and a field visit to a renewable energy facility, allowing participants to examine applied project design, implementation, and operational challenges firsthand. This hands-on approach is intended to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to support immediate application in national contexts.

Egypt offers a particularly relevant setting for the second cohort. Its experience in scaling renewable energy generation, integrating variable renewables into national grids, and strengthening enabling frameworks provides valuable and transferable lessons for countries at different stages of the energy transition.

With the Nairobi and Cairo cohorts combined, more than 80 African energy professionals will have been trained under the programme in 2025. AFREC plans to further expand the programme in 2026 through additional in-person sessions and online delivery via its Capacity-Building Information System, extending continental access and supporting sustained cross-border skills exchange.

Through this growing portfolio of capacity-building initiatives, AFREC continues to position itself as a continental hub supporting African Union Member States in advancing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy as a foundation for inclusive growth and long-term development.

About AFREC

The African Energy Commission (AFREC) is the African Union’s specialized technical agency mandated to develop energy policies, strategies, research and plans for Africa’s energy sector, recommend their implementation, and support Member States through practical tools, capacity building and knowledge exchange.

About Sida

The Government of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), supports AFREC’s capacity-building agenda to strengthen institutional capabilities, improve project bankability and catalyze sustainable energy investments that advance access, affordability and climate goals in Africa.

About Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC)

Strathmore University’s Energy Research Centre is a leading African applied research and training institution focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency. SERC co-develops and delivers AFREC’s curriculum and practical toolkits to ensure training outcomes translate into real-world projects.

This press release was first published here.

From November 25th to December 10th, the Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully conducted a training of trainers (TOT) for 24 engineers who serve as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) instructors, work in private companies and the national government.

The key outcome of the training was to equip the trainers with technical solar photovoltaic (PV) competencies and pedagogical capacity. The curriculum blended essential theory with hands-on practical sessions, site visits, and guided action-planning activities, covering electrical fundamentals, PV system design, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and competency-based training methodologies. The trainers visited SOLARGEN for a complete, start-to-finish demonstration of a professional solar installation, offering invaluable, real-world context on modern Kenyan system practices.

At the end of the two-week programme, every student had developed a concrete action plan, said Abdulkadir Ahmed Ali Mohammed, Solar PV Instructor at the Banadir Training Institute, Somalia. “The action plans we have developed will enable each of us to transform the lives of young people in our communities by accelerating youth employment and expanding the use of renewable energy.”

On his part, Hamud Mohamed Farah, Chief Technical Officer, National Energy Cooperation of Somalia (NESCOM), said the training of trainers has given him comprehensive knowledge on successfully executing a complete solar PV project. “I learnt how to design effective solar PV systems using the correct tools, understanding the optimal installation locations in Somalia based on performance and finally how to structure and mount the physical system,” said Hamud.

Hamud receives his certificate from Dr. Churchil Saoke, Director SERC.

During the closing ceremony, Fuhumiko Suzuki, JICA, emphasized the importance of replicating this training for others upon their return to Somalia. “The training you received was not for you to become a better technical expert but an excellent trainer so that you can pass the knowledge to others.”

Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at Strathmore University, urged the trainers “not to be a mere observer but become an agent of change,” further adding the essential reminder that “before being a student, remember you are a human being. Put the common good above everything else.”

After two and a half weeks of intensive training, the TOT concluded with a post-training assessment and certification, with participants demonstrating improved technical understanding and readiness to deliver quality solar PV training to the youth in Somalia.

May all 24 engineers steadfastly carry the torch and continue illuminating the path for future generations in Somalia.

Article written by Anne Njeri, Communications Officer, Strathmore Energy Research Centre.

Over the next three years, the African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) project will establish Community Energy Hubs by transforming nine schools across Kangemi and Kibera into revenue-generating centres after school hours. These Hubs will leverage clean energy solutions to power and host activities such as laundromats, adult learning classes, computer hubs, and solar water pumping services. The initiative aims to promote meaningful collaboration and stimulate shared prosperity within the surrounding communities.

The selected schools include:

Kangemi:

~Prosperity Junior Centre

~Wisedorme Multipurpose Centre School

~Tumaini Hope Centre

~Kanyorosha Self-Help Group

~Kangemi Resource Centre

Kibera:

~Mashimoni Squatters Primary School

~Chrisco Educational Centre

~Joysprings Educational Centre

~Raila Educational Centre

Co-Creation workshops

In November, the project, led by the University of Nottingham, conducted its first round of co-creation workshops with the research team, teachers, and key stakeholders from the nine schools. Dr. Jordan Blanchard Lafayette, Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham, guided the development of energy timetables to help schools plan and document their energy usage. These timetables will ensure that schools’ energy needs are met during learning hours, while surplus energy is reserved for income-generating activities in the evenings.

Dr. Vincenzo Rossi, also a Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham, facilitated discussions on social impact measurement approaches to track and verify the tangible outcomes of the Community Energy Hubs. The workshops included field visits to all nine schools.

From Right: Esther Ndirangu, Project Manager, Kangemi Resource Centre and Nina Mugure, Project Manager, Women in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship (WISEe), listening on.

The training team comprised of Prof. Charles Bradshaw-Smith (SMARTKLUBS), Dr. Lorna Kiamba (Sustainable Development, University of Nottingham), Prof. Lucelia Rodrigues (Sustainable and Resilient Communities, University of Nottingham), Ali Buckland (PromptBI), Prisca Atieno, Hassan Bhatti, and Eric Akumu from the Strathmore Energy Research Centre.

Next milestone

The Strathmore Energy Research Centre, in collaboration with Women in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship (WISEe), will begin installing 8kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at Wisedorme Multipurpose Centre School and Prosperity Junior Centre. Each system is valued at approximately KES 1.3 million.

This pilot project aims to deliver immediate benefits by powering computer labs, enabling clean electric cooking, and providing lighting for students during the first term of 2026. Once operational, the schools are expected to begin realising significant cost savings by eliminating grid electricity expenses and reducing or eliminating daily firewood purchases. The transition to clean cooking will also improve the health of kitchen staff and pupils who are often exposed to smoke during meal preparation.

Data collected from this pilot phase will guide the expansion of solar PV systems to support broader, income-generating community activities in Kangemi and Kibera.

Project overview

Awarded on 31 January 2025 under UKRI1321 Africa SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks), the project brings together leading institutions, including University of Nottingham (UK), Strathmore University, implemented by the Strathmore Energy Research Centre (Kenya), SmartKlub (UK), Edu-Cater Global (UK/Kenya), Map Kibera, Women in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship (WISEe) and Prompt BI.

The project is co-led by Prof. Lucelia Rodrigues, Head of the Department of Architecture & Built Environment, University of Nottingham, and Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Strathmore University.

Article written by Anne Njeri, Communications Officer, Strathmore Energy Research Centre.

The African Energy Commission (AFREC) today opened a week-long, in-person training on Renewable Energy Project Planning, Development & Financing in Nairobi. Delivered with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and in collaboration with Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), the programme equips African decision-makers to move projects from concept to bankable investments and reliable operations, while fostering peer-to-peer knowledge exchange across the Continent. Opening the session, Mr. Rashid Ali Abdallah, AFREC Executive Director, said the initiative is designed to “accelerate the path from policy to pipelines and from pipelines to megawatts by giving practitioners shared tools, a trusted peer network and hands-on practice to turn promising ideas into buildable, financeable and operable projects.”

Hosted with the support of the Government of Kenya, the training convened 45 participants from ministries in charge of energy for an intensive, practice-oriented curriculum aligned to national, regional and continental priorities. Over five days, participants engage the full project cycle Oresource assessment and planning; technology selection and grid integration; policy and regulation; procurement and financing; and project management and operations—through short lectures, concrete case studies and group work, capped by a field visit to translate lessons into real-world applications.

“This is not just another training, it is a milestone moment for AFREC and for Africa. For the first time, we are delivering a course designed, developed, and led by an African institution (AFREC), in collaboration with an African academic partner, Strathmore Energy Research Centre, for top-level decision-makers at African ministries in charge of energy. The training curriculum was approved by select pool of African experts from across the continent.  It truly embodies African expertise serving African priorities.” added Mr. Abdallah.

Kenya served as a living classroom for the cohort, drawing on the country’s experience in geothermal scaling, variable renewables integration and access expansion. “This initiative by the African Energy Commission (AFREC) to develop and implement a comprehensive Capacity Building Programme for the African Energy Sector will equip participants from the AU Member States with necessary skills to pursue energy sovereignty for the continent as a development strategy. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to work with AFREC and the African Union, to accelerate the continent’s transition to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all.” ~ Dan Marangu, Director of Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

A central feature of the programme is structured knowledge sharing: participants exchanged practical insights from their pipelines, stress-tested project documents in small groups, and co-developed checklists and templates that can be adapted and reused by their institutions. The course includes pre- and post-assessments, participant feedback and certificates upon completion, and forms the nucleus of a continental community of practice that continues to collaborate after the training.

“Every country represented here brings unique experiences and solutions shaped by its own realities. Learning from these diverse perspectives is essential, because the expertise needed to drive Africa’s energy transition already exists within Africa. AFREC plays a key role in making this possible. As the African Union’s specialized energy commission, AFREC provides the platform to harmonize efforts across Member States, ensuring that lessons learned in one country can inspire and guide progress in another” said Ms. Ulrika Åkesson – Counsellor, Embassy of Sweden in Kenya.

“Africa has a lot of natural resources available. We as Africans need to harness our vast access to renewable energy. Each one of us needs to drive sustainable development of our countries. To date, Strathmore Energy Research Centre has trained over 5,000 renewable energy experts who have become agents of change in Africa.”  ~ Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Strathmore University.

This inaugural session marks the beginning of a broader journey. The second cohort is scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from 15 to 19 December 2025, extending the training to more than 80 decision-makers from over 45 countries. And this is just the beginning — next year, AFREC plans to expand these efforts to reach even more Member States, institutions, and practitioners across the continent. The programme will also be complemented by open online offerings via AFREC’s Capacity-Building Information System (e-learning platform) to broaden access and sustain cross-border skills sharing.

Article written by: Anne Njoroge

Makueni County has launched an ambitious new energy policy that aims to deliver clean, affordable, and reliable power to every home, school, health center, and business across its six sub-counties, cementing its place as a national leader in Kenya’s green energy transition.

Unveiled Tuesday in Wote by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the Energy Policy 2025 builds on a string of successful projects, including 44 solar installations, expanded electricity grid access, and the county’s first clean cooking pilot.

“This policy is not just a government document, it’s a promise,” said Governor Kilonzo. A promise that energy will no longer be a barrier, but a bridge to prosperity.”

The policy follows the Makueni County Energy Plan (CEP) 2023–2032, already delivering impact across health, water, agriculture, trade, and gender sectors.

In FY 2024/25 alone, the county invested Ksh 99.38 million in solar energy, installing systems with a combined capacity of 810.8 kWp.

The water sector leads with 32 solar-powered boreholes, while health comes second, including a standout 205.35 kWp solar system at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, slashing electricity bills by 30pc and saving over Ksh 7 million in one year.

Beyond the cost savings, the system has helped the hospital avoid 120 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent of displacing 110 tonnes of coal.
“This is clean energy saving lives, literally,” said the Governor. “It’s a model we are scaling to other health facilities.”

Over 60 market centers have been fitted with solar streetlights, while five towns now boast high-mast floodlights, achieving 100pc lighting coverage in all sub-counties.

The results? Safer streets, longer trading hours, and thriving night economies.

“We’re seeing women sell until late, children studying under streetlights, and crime dropping. That’s what energy justice looks like,” said Kilonzo.

With REREC’s support, 12 new grid projects have connected 583 households to electricity, turning power from a dream into a daily reality for families across Kaiti, Kibwezi East, Kibwezi West, Kilome, Makueni, and Mbooni.

The County also made its first major move away from firewood and kerosene through a clean cooking pilot in Kikumbulyu South, distributing 253 LPG stoves to households.

Next, Makueni plans to roll out LPG to more homes and institutions, supported by public-private partnerships.

“This is not just about energy, it’s about dignity, women’s health, and saving our forests,” the Governor said.

In FY 2025/26, the county has approved 42 new energy projects with a budget of Ksh 106.19 million, focusing on water, health, trade, agriculture, and lighting. Another Ksh30 million has been set aside for grid expansion.

The new policy is rooted in Kenya’s Energy Act of 2019 and developed in collaboration with UK PACT, Strathmore University, World Resources Institute, and Just Energy Transition Africa. It lays the foundation for a decentralized, citizen-driven approach to energy access prioritizing clean cooking, solar power, modern lighting, and grid connectivity.

Key partners who flagged the policy launch emphasized the role of energy in the country’s growth.

The British High Commission to Kenya, through representative Dan Wilcox, called Makueni’s efforts “trailblazing,” saying the policy would “unlock new economic possibilities and support green jobs.”

Prof. Izael Da Silva of Strathmore University urged the national government to follow suit, calling energy access a driver of GDP growth.

Dr. Rebekah Shirley of the World Resources Institute praised Makueni for crafting energy solutions tailored to local needs.

Governor Kilonzo said Makueni will become a model for Kenya and beyond, calling on for more private partnerships in unlocking the makueni economic potential.

“We want to be a living lab for localized energy planning,” he said. “To the private sector, we welcome you to invest. To development partners, thank you. And to our people, this is your policy. Embrace it. Hold us accountable.”

With political will, local engagement, and global partnerships, Makueni is betting big on a future powered by clean energy, and it’s already showing what’s possible.

This article was written by Muraya Kamunde and was first published here 

Strathmore University hosted the launch of the inaugural East Africa Executive School, a programme designed to equip senior professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to accelerate the region’s energy transition.

The week-long initiative, running from 22 to 26 September 2025, is spearheaded by the RES4Africa Foundation in collaboration with the Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), supported by the Enel Foundation, and organised with the backing of the Mattei Plan for Africa to equip decision-makers with the tools and knowledge to drive change in the region’s energy landscape.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Lorenza Gambacorta, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Kenya, said Italy is supporting programmes for investing in people, those who can design, implement, and maintain renewable energy systems.

“Skilled professionals can bridge the gap between finance and technology. Training in both technical and financial aspects of renewable energy can help unlock access to international funds, loans, and grants that are crucial for energy projects,” said Gambacorta.

According to Giulia Genuardi, Managing Director, Enel Foundation, the Nairobi edition builds on the successful regional programmes previously held in Southern Africa and North Africa, reflecting a deliberate shift toward decentralising training and tailoring solutions to regional realities.

“Use the knowledge from the course to become leaders in energy transition, always remembering that the transition is context-specific and must be shaped to each country’s unique needs,” said Genuardi.

From left: Roberto Virgotti, Secretary General, RES4Africa Foundation, Giulia Genuardi, Managing Director, Enel Foundation and Prof. Izael Da Silva, Strathmore University, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, pose for a commemorative photo.

For East Africa, where demand for sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy solutions is growing rapidly, Roberto Virgotti, Secretary General, RES4Africa Foundation, emphasised that Africa must harness emerging technologies and strategic partnerships to secure a resilient and sustainable energy future.

“If Africa is to meet its energy and climate ambition, annual investment across the energy sector must almost triple through 2030, with a strong focus on the domestic energy system and to achieve this, collaboration will be key,” attested Virgotti.

Over five intensive days, participants will explore critical themes shaping the continent’s energy future. Sessions will delve into innovation and emerging renewable technologies, investment in infrastructure and grid flexibility, productive uses of energy and e-mobility, digitalisation and cybersecurity, and carbon markets and data-driven energy access.

Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Strathmore University, highlighted the broader significance of the programme, noting that it enhances the South–North global partnership in addressing energy challenges.

With Africa’s median age standing at just 19 years, he described the continent as “the continent of the future,” urging participants to make the most of the opportunity by networking, asking critical questions, and building the knowledge and capacity needed to drive meaningful change.

Beyond the classroom, the East Africa Executive School will also play host to the grand finale of wAtt-boost – Youth Powered Start-Up in Africa, on September 24, 2025, an Enel Foundation initiative spotlighting the ingenuity of young entrepreneurs building renewable energy-focused businesses across the continent. This integration of executive training and entrepreneurial innovation underscores a shared belief that Africa’s energy transition must be both top-driven and youth-led.

By building local capacity and fostering collaboration, the school is positioning East Africa to meet its growing energy demands and lead the continent in pioneering sustainable solutions.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu.

“Our focus is on young people and their innovations. They are the future stewards of global sustainability. The enablers of the change our world urgently needs,” said Giulia Genuardi, Managing Director of the ENEL Foundation, as she reflected on the importance of youth-led creativity in building a sustainable future.

Her words set the tone for the awarding ceremony of the wAtt-Boost – Youth Powered Start-up in Africa programme, launched earlier this year by the ENEL Foundation in partnership with the RES4Africa Foundation, Strathmore Energy Research Centre, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), with support from the Italian Mattei Plan for Africa.

The programme attracted more than 100 submissions, which were carefully narrowed down to 14 before six final solutions were selected. It sets out to empower young African entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to drive sustainable energy solutions across the continent.

“At the center of these innovations are what many call the Four Ds of the energy transition. These are decarbonization, decentralization, digitalization, and democratization,” noted Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University. According to him, these principles are not abstract goals. They are the living threads tying together solutions that are already changing lives in the community.

Winners of the wAtt-Boost – Youth Powered Start-up in Africa

Among the six remarkable finalists, two, Dosy Bikes from Egypt and LinQ Energy from Kenya, stood out as the overall winners. Co-founded by Nouran Farouk, Dosy Bikes is advancing e-mobility and challenging cultural stereotypes by training and encouraging women to ride scooters, making sustainable transport both accessible and inclusive.

LinQ Energy, founded by Charles Oyamo, a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Transitions (MSc. SET) student at Strathmore University, is tackling one of Africa’s pressing business challenges, unreliable electricity. By developing plug-and-play solar-plus-battery systems for small businesses, LinQ is ensuring continuity, resilience, and growth for entrepreneurs.

Meet the Other 4

In Ghana, Agrio Solutions, founded by Dennis Nyarko, is equipping smallholder farmers with solar-powered irrigation pumps available on a pay-per-use model. According to Dennis, his innovation will improve food security, productivity, and empower the farmers.

For Zambia, where only 14% of rural communities are connected to electricity, Ecovolt Innovations, led by Mwala Mooto, has introduced IoT-enabled solar mini-grids. The results are profound. Agricultural yields are up by 60% and household incomes are growing by 45%.

In Tanzania, Gilsun Technologies, founded by Suzana Fred Munuo, is tackling household air pollution by turning agricultural waste into clean briquettes for cooking. This innovation reduces deforestation, protects families from harmful smoke, and creates a new market for green jobs.

Finally, Protone Energies of Uganda, represented by Ashaba Ahebwa Fionolla, is addressing one of solar’s most persistent challenges. The short lifespan of batteries. With 78% of Ugandans living off-grid and 92% of solar batteries failing within five years, Protone’s work could be game-changing for energy access.

From solar-powered farms to clean cooking briquettes, from empowering women on scooters to powering small businesses, these six ventures embody Africa’s future.

“The leadership of young people will shape the future of Africa and, ultimately, the world,” said Riccardo Toxiri, Advisor to the Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency. “Our role is to walk alongside them, offering mentorship, connecting them with international networks, and linking them to start-ups from other regions so they can share experiences and lessons learned.

On his part, Roberto Virgotti, Secretary General, RES4Africa Foundation, said the initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions, foundations, and young people come together for a common purpose.

While congratulating the six finalists for their ingenuity, Strathmore alumna and co-founder of Feion Green Ventures, Mercy Kyalo, urged them to place users at the heart of their solutions.

 “You don’t build alone. Build with the user of your solution. Listen to them. Start with what you have, and remember, collaboration is key,” advised Mercy.

Her sentiments were echoed by Jean James, co-founder of Timao Group. “This is the time to take up the mantle in the innovation space. Hold on to your purpose and remember you cannot do this alone.”

These voices underscored a common truth that innovation is as much about networks, mentorship, and courage as it is about technology. Or, as Joy Doreen Biira, the Master of the Ceremony, put it, “We need innovations to power the world. We are harnessing the youth dividend.”

Indeed, driving Africa’s energy transition calls for every player, including academia, industry, government, and the private sector, to step up. The future will not be built in isolation, but through shared vision, collaboration, and action.

“As an institution of education, we are proud to play our part in imparting knowledge that enhances innovation,” said Prof. Izael. “We are not spectators but doers. We are actively supporting the future of Africa through knowledge transfer and innovation.”

The wAtt-Boost – Youth Powered Start-up in Africa programme was part of the inaugural East Africa Executive School, a programme designed to equip senior professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to accelerate the region’s energy transition.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu. 

14 young professionals and aspiring renewable energy practitioners from Kenya participated in the 42nd edition of the Technical and Vocational School (formerly Micro-Grid Academy), focusing on Module 3 – DRE System Design, Operation & Maintenance, and Safety. The training, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 15th to 19th, 2025, is an initiative promoted by RES4Africa in collaboration with Strathmore University and sustained by Enel Foundation.   

Hosted at Strathmore University and implemented in collaboration with Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), the program offered participants a hands-on learning experience in designing and operating decentralized renewable energy (DRE) systems. The curriculum covered system design with software tools, operation & maintenance of micro-grids, and safety, health, and environmental practices. 

Practical exercises enriched the training experience. In particular, participants had the opportunity to take part in a practical activity on solar PV cleaning, facilitated with the involvement of Raynow Energy, which provided hands-on exposure to one of the key aspects of solar plant operation and efficiency. Trainers from partner institutes shared insights on real-life applications, best practices, and technical challenges, strengthening the link between theory and practice.

The course placed a strong emphasis on inclusion and empowerment, encouraging the active participation of youth and women and fostering peer learning in a multicultural setting. Interactive lectures and expert-led discussions equipped attendees with essential skills to contribute meaningfully to the energy transition across East Africa. 

The success of this edition was made possible through the collaboration of key partners and their shared commitment to nurturing a new generation of energy leaders ready to drive sustainable development across the region. 

The article was first published here.

The international team from the new Ayrton-funded ‘Moving IMPACT’ project has met for the first time in Nairobi.

Moving IMPACT is a £3.6million consortium exploring how solar mini-grids integrated with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure can meet agricultural and community energy needs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The project is led by Imperial College London in collaboration with partners from across university, industry, policy, and public sectors. These include the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), the University of Energy and Natural Resources of Ghana, the University of Rwanda, the Kigali Centre for Collaborative Research in Rwanda, the Strathmore University in Kenya and the University of Leeds. It also involves three of Imperial’s clean-tech startups.

A “momentous occasion”

From initial project proposal until just last week, all our communications have been online, so this week-long event, hosted by Strathmore University in Nairobi, was a monumental occasion – the first opportunity for the partners to physically meet to discuss the project and form working relationships.

The meeting started with a day of ice-breaking activities and brainstorming the project identity and conversation topics for the week.

The second day welcomed industrial and public stakeholders and was officially opened by Strathmore’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Izael Pereira Da Silva, and continued with a full agenda of presentations from project work package leaders and invited speakers.

Exploring energy innovations 

The rest of the week was filled with site visits near and far.

The Project Team, formed of representatives from each of the partner institutions, was given tours of Octavia carbon capture R&D facilities, Strathmore University’s clean cooking research facilities, the assembly factory of electric motorbike manufacturer Spiro, and the agrivoltaics (left) and biogas facilities at LATIA Agribusiness Solutions (LAS) – a grassroots agriculture training centre.

Supporting women in STEM 

Influential women engineering panel included representatives from industry, academia and the public sector.

The Team also found time to organise and host a Women in Engineering side event that brought together inspiring voices and powerful insights from women across the STEM landscape in Kenya. We see this event as the first in a series that will run alongside the project for the next two and half years.

In addition to all the incredibly valuable project conversations and site visits, we were superbly hosted by our Kenyan partners who arranged regular customary coffee breaks with delicious snacks, amazing lunch buffets, spectacular group dinners, and a final day safari drive in the Nairobi City National Park – the 5am wake-up call was worth it to see lions and rhinos!

The next in-person meeting is being planned to take place at Imperial next year, and aims to include a capacity building workshop open to students. We hope we will be able to match the wonderful hospitality we received from our partners in Kenya.”

The article was first published here and was written by Emma Fromant, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London. 

For a long time, girls and women did not grow up believing they could pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  In fact, when a woman expressed interest in a STEM field, she was often met with scepticism or ridicule, questioning not only her ability to complete her studies but also her chances of succeeding in the profession.

During a recent conversation with women in engineering, Catherine Nyambala, an electrical engineer with Women in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship (WISEe), reflected on her student journey in university twenty-five years ago.

She recalled how boys dominated the practical engineering sessions. At the time, women rarely had the chance to handle or tinker with the equipment. The fewer than five female students would remain at the back as the men took over the sessions.

Later, when she got employed, and she had to work at the power stations, she often had to ask the driver to take her to the nearest petrol station to use the ladies’ facilities, as none were available on site. She also witnessed the barriers faced by women who are primary caregivers, as many had to slow down their careers or give them up altogether to raise a family. Clearly, the challenges women face are not technical.

Fast forward to the recent past, Eng. Nyambala fondly recalls attending her first all-women training at the Strathmore Energy Research Centre—and realising that things could be done differently.

Women are natural collaborators, and therefore, teamwork is easier. She noted that by the end of the training, every woman had a chance to handle the cables, wire up the circuit, and test it. Prof. Franca Hoffman, a lecturer at the University of Cambridge, echoed similar sentiments. When she first became a professor, she intended to take her time to build research groups before taking on any students for supervision. However, within four months, women pursuing their PhDs began gravitating towards her and joined her research groups. During the same period, five women approached her to supervise their doctoral studies.

Cynthia Mkabane, a tutorial fellow at the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences, never imagined she would one day be teaching in STEM. Her role has given her the opportunity to mentor students, often reminding them of the importance of getting their beautifully manicured hands dirty and doing the work, despite the conveniences brought about by automation in the industry.

My mentees today participate in numerous innovation challenges advertised by both local and international universities — something that was unheard of in the past. Female students are stepping out of their cocoons and into the field, which brings me great joy as their mentor.

Knowing your worth is a critical component of navigating the STEM world. Women and men are known to negotiate their worth differently. Dr. Hoffman has, over the years, observed how men and women approach the negotiating table during their initial interviews or when seeking a promotion. She urges women to believe in their own worth and to be paid for it. Research shows that the pay gap is real, and, in her interactions, she has noted that men quote a higher salary scale while in interviews, allowing the hiring panel to negotiate lower.

On the contrary, women tend to view selection as a favour and are less likely to negotiate for better pay. As a result, two new staff members with identical skill sets and expertise can start the same job at different salary scales, purely based on their ability to negotiate. Isn’t it surprising that women confidently haggle in markets without hesitation, yet at the corporate table, we tend to cower? These conversations prompted each of us, as women, to reflect on our own journeys. As a woman working alongside engineers, I could relate to many of the questions raised by the students.

Some of the questions raised by students and professionals alike revolved around how to find mentors to guide them through their professional journey. How to confidently take a seat at the table, not as a token of gender representation, but as a professional recognized for their technical expertise, and how to navigate inappropriate flirtation in the workplace.

I remember looking at my colleague as we murmured, reflecting on our experiences in a male-dominated field. Many a time, we would be out in the field and would always be outnumbered by our male counterparts.

It is true that working in a flirtatious environment can be dishonoring and uncomfortable, but Eng. Nyambala reminded us all of the importance of starting off well. In her career, she frequently found herself in a double-cabin vehicle with a male colleague and the driver. She learned early on to dress in a manner that maintained a modest silhouette, ensuring her clothing provided full coverage. While this did not entirely deter unwanted attention, she found that most of her male colleagues respected her and regarded her as a fellow professional.

Men have had the better part of 2,000 years, both before and after Christ, to dominate various fields. Only recently have women begun to gain a foothold. As a result, it is easy for some to assume that a woman is present merely to fulfil a gender quota. To navigate such perceptions, women were encouraged to study diligently, stay informed, and remain up to date in their respective fields. They must always bring their A-game so that, when they speak, the conversation is naturally guided by competence and mutual respect.

Finally, we were charged with one truth, which is that there will always be someone smarter, better, and more successful than you. Human beings struggle with not being good enough and are trapped in comparing themselves to others. One could be in the best university and organization and still second-guess themselves. Rather than comparing oneself to others, use that energy to invest in your growth. Look at your journey and see what you have done over the past year. That my sisters should be your measuring stick. Further, get yourself an academic, professional and personal mentor and watch as your life transforms in front of your eyes if you put in the work.

The evening ended with each one of us realizing that these conversations are necessary to help women thrive in the workplace. Although the cocktail event ended, the conversation remains fresh in our minds. I would like to recommend a book to my fellow sisters: How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen. In future, it could form the basis of discussion during the next series of Conversations and Cocktails with Women in Engineering.

These conversations were part of the Moving 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (Moving IMPACT) project exploring how mini-grids with electric charging for small vehicles can transform agricultural communities in Africa.

Awarded by the UK EPSRC (Ref: UKRI314) on January 31,  2025, this initiative brings together leading institutions: Strathmore University through Strathmore Energy Research Centre, Imperial College London, University of Leeds, University of Rwanda, African Institute of Mathematical Sciences Rwanda, Kigali Collaboration Research Centre and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (Ghana)

Article written by Anne Njoroge, Communications Officer, Strathmore Energy Research Centre