In the sprawling Kakuma refugee camp in northwestern Kenya, a beacon of hope shines brightly. Amid the tranquility of dusk, one section stands out, illuminated by clean, renewable energy powered by Chinese solar technology.
Vasco Hamisi, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has been instrumental in bringing light to Kakuma Three refugee camp. Since fleeing his homeland in 2010, Hamisi envisioned harnessing the region’s abundant sunshine to improve the lives of his fellow refugees. However, lacking the necessary funds, his dream remained out of reach for years.
In 2018, Hamisi’s fortunes changed when he won a grant of $275,000 to develop a solar power plant. Recognizing China’s advancements in affordable and reliable solar technology, he partnered with Chinese firm Jinko Solar to purchase solar panels and related equipment. By 2021, his initiative, Okapi Green Energy, established a 20-kilowatt solar power plant, connecting 150 households and 50 businesses within the camp to sustainable electricity.
“I discovered that China has developed affordable and reliable technology to convert sunshine into electricity,” Hamisi explained. With approvals from Kenyan authorities, including the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the National Environmental Management Authority, Hamisi’s vision became a reality.
The success of the project has spurred plans for expansion. Hamisi is currently in discussions with Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese battery manufacturer, to scale up the power plant to 2.4 megawatts in the coming months.
Among the beneficiaries is Desantos Theophile Byizigiro, a Rwandan refugee who arrived in Kenya in 1997. Byizigiro runs a thriving entertainment business in the camp. “Before connecting to the solar plant, I depended on a generator, which was costly and inconvenient for my patrons,” he shared. The switch to solar energy reduced his daily electricity costs from $15.50 to $3.90, significantly increasing his profit margins.
The Chinese solar initiative in Kakuma not only illuminates homes and businesses but also symbolizes the transformative power of renewable energy. It stands as a testament to international cooperation and the potential for sustainable solutions to improve the lives of displaced communities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
