SECTION B
PART I
PROJECT EXPERIENCES
Background
The implementation phase of the solar energy demonstration project began in August
1999. Prior to this, in 1996, a baseline survey and problem identification exercise
had been carried out and community sensitization activities immediately followed.
The project, in Bahati and Mbogoine divisions of Nakuru district, began with the aim
of improving residents' standard of living while reducing the emission of green house
gases, which lead to global warming. This was to be achieved through adoption of
solar photovoltaic systems.
SCODE technicians
Installing a solar panel
Before the project, children found
it difficult to study at home
during evenings because of poor
lighting and smoke from kerosene
or firewood, adversely affected
their health and that of the
women who spent large amounts
of time in the kitchen. In
addition, the cost of lighting for
households came to approximately
Ksh.7800 a year compared to
Ksh.2400 billed to local
households connected to grid
electricity monthly. The SCODE
project thus helped communities
through provision of solar energy.
Creating awareness on the solar energy project
For most groups, solar energy was not a priority as a means of lighting as grid
electricity was the choice that presented itself.
SCODE carried out rigorous sensitization campaigns through workshops, home visits
and exhibitions aimed at changing people's attitudes towards solar energy, bridging
existing information gaps among potential and current end users of solar PV systems
and mobilizing local people to participate in the SCODE demonstration project.