Solar energy helped Dhahabu send her seven children to school

Solar panel gave mother of seven enough income to send her children to school

In the village of Chakama, five hours from the coastal city of Mombasa, the impact of access to electricity is clear. Solar energy has transformed life for Dhahabu Matata Chengo, a mother of seven, and many others in the village.

In Norway, entire rooftops are covered with solar panels, providing electricity for large homes and even commercial buildings. In Kenya, a single solar panel can change lives.

That is exactly what happened for Dhahabu.

SUNami Solar specialises in providing electricity to off-grid communities. Since 2021, the company has collaborated with investment company Techbridge through a Norec exchange.

Thanks to a solar panel, Dhahabu can now afford to send her children to school, using the additional income electricity has generated for her business.

From darkness to light with solar energy

“You can’t see anything in the dark without electricity. You can’t see who is approaching, and that makes you vulnerable. Electricity, on the other hand, means safety,” says Dhahabu.

What role can solar energy play in sustainable development in Kenya?

Solar panels have not only improved living conditions in Chakama, but have also made local businesses more profitable. Dhahabu, who owns the 3 Season Club, has seen a major change since installing one.

“After my husband left us, I had to provide for myself and my seven children. I invested in one solar panel and bought a refrigerator and a TV. Now I have more than 100 customers at my pub, and I no longer lie awake at night worrying about money,” says Dhahabu.

“I’m grateful because it has changed my life. Before, I couldn’t afford to send my children to school. Now they all go to school, they all have enough to eat and they have better clothes.”

Solar energy as a key to sustainable development

Solar energy is becoming increasingly widespread in developing countries and could play a key role in achieving the UN goal of universal access to electricity by 2030.

Since 2012, 493 million people have gained access to energy through off-grid solar products.

However, 675 million people still lacked access to electricity in 2021, and more than 80 per cent of them lived in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, nearly two billion people had access to unreliable electricity supplies.

From darkness to light with support from Norec

As electricity became available, more people began to settle there.

“People quickly saw the benefits of electricity and wanted their own supply. Having electricity means I can sell cold products and keep my shop open for longer. I earn more money, which allows me to provide for my family,” says Abel.

Access to electricity is essential for development and safety

With support from Norec, more villages like Chakama are being lit up – quite literally. Access to electricity is essential for both development and safety.

“Having solar panels and illuminated streets makes the village a safer place to live,” says Dhahabu.

SUNami Solar’s work in Chakama is a good example of how access to electricity can be crucial to the development of off-grid communities. It contributes to greater safety and better living conditions for residents.

Through innovation and collaboration, Norec and SUNami Solar are contributing to more sustainable communities.

Dhahabu’s experience shows how access to solar energy can change lives, improve financial stability and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

SUNami Solar and Norec

Norec partner SUNami Solar has been part of an exchange partnership between Norway, Kenya and Uganda since 2020.