KCIC Partners with Mott Foundation on Renewable Energy

The Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) and the Mott Foundation are partnering to implement the Productive Use of Solar Energy (PUSE) program. The program aims to improve access to solar energy solutions within key agricultural value chains in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania over a two-year period. The project has received funding from the Mott Foundation and will be spearheaded by KCIC.

A total of 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been selected to participate in the pilot project. These enterprises will receive support to commercialize and scale up the use of solar energy solutions in select agriculture sectors namely dairy farming, aquaculture, and horticulture. The objective is to create sustainable employment opportunities, enhance community resilience to climate change, and provide environmental and social benefits.

Robert Ddamulira, Ph.D. , Mott's Environment Program Officer, expressed confidence in the project's success during his visit to KCIC. He stated that he was pleased with the necessary groundwork that has been laid, noting that the program is ready for implementation. The Mott Foundation is committed to enhancing global access to sustainable energy services, and this initiative aligns with that mission.

Joseph Murabula , KCIC’s Chief Executive Officer, has emphasised that the organization's decade-long experience in the climate space will be leveraged upon for the success of the program and reiterated its commitment to leveraging solar energy's potential. Murabula emphasized the importance of reducing carbon emissions, mitigating climate change, and enhancing energy access in underserved communities. By integrating technology, technical support, innovative financing models, and partnerships, KCIC aims to demonstrate the scalability and sustainability of solar energy solutions.

The project will also utilize the Mott Foundation's Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model (DREEM), which seeks to expand access to modern electrical services, stimulate local economies, and combat climate change through solar power. The model addresses barriers such as inadequate financing, limited access to sustainable energy innovations, and the absence of integrated energy planning.

During his visit, Dr. Ddamulira interacted with participating entrepreneurs and engaged with key players in Kenya's energy sector, including the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). The project team is currently conducting a comprehensive needs assessment for the selected entrepreneurs. Following this assessment, the entrepreneurs will receive technical support, business advisory services, mentorship, and financial assistance to support their growth and contribute to the Productive Use of Solar Energy initiative.

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