For years, smallholder farmers across Kenya have struggled with unreliable and expensive energy. Without proper cold storage, milk spoiled before reaching the market. Lack of affordable irrigation systems has equally contributed to the rising food insecurity as crops wither under the scorching sun. Such and many more challenges witnessed in the agricultural sector have made apparent, the rising need for clean and reliable energy source.
The Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation recently launched the Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model (DREEM) Hub in Kenya. This is a three-year initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of solar energy solutions for productive use within Kenya’s dairy and horticulture value chains with a key focus on last-mile communities.
At the heart of this initiative is a $460,000 Revolving Productive Use of Solar Energy (PUSE) Loan Fund, designed to make solar technology affordable and accessible. This will reach the farmers through various cooperatives under the program.
Joseph Murabula, the CEO of KCIC, highlighted the timeliness of the program. “Access to affordable energy is key to transforming agriculture. The DREEM Hub seeks to address the challenges being faced in the sector by fostering an inclusive and enabling environment that empowers smallholder farmers to integrate solar energy solutions into their agricultural practices,” he said.
But financing is just a part of the solution. The DREEM Hub will also train over 1,000 youth and women in agrisolar solutions, ensuring that local communities receive the skills needed to sustain the transformation. Additionally, the Hub is set to connect farmers to markets, helping them scale their agribusinesses and secure better prices.
Harun Kerotich, Director at the State Department for Agriculture, reinforced the role of cooperatives in driving this transformation. “Cooperatives have been at the heart of agricultural transformation in rural Kenya. However, access to affordable financing remains a critical need. In sectors like dairy and horticulture, energy challenges have significantly impacted farmers due to the perishable nature of their produce,” he said.
One of the key highlights of the event was a panel discussion on “Advancing Solar Adoption in Key Agricultural Value Chains within East Africa,” which featured noteable stakeholders in the sector. Saumu Ismail, the DREEM Hub Project Manager, set the tone explaining how the the HUB is positioned to unlock the full potential of Kenya’s agricultural sector by addressing critical gaps that hinder growth. “Our vision is to drive value addition, create more jobs, and strengthen agribusinesses,” she said.
Queen Lombaka, a veteran in offering agrisolar solutions, shared her insights in line with the rising uptake of solar powered solutions in agriculture as witnessed in her experience in the business. “Solutions like solar-powered cold rooms, milk coolers, and dryers are no longer unfamiliar concepts as more and more people are switching to the productive use of solar energy in their farms. The most effective way to work with farmers is through cooperatives. Organized farmers have better access to financing, technology, and markets, making agrisolar solutions more accessible and impactful,” she noted.
Beyond the conversations, a pivotal moment unfolded as key cooperatives signed agreements to partner with the DREEM Hub symbolic of their commitment to the course. With these partnerships, the cooperatives will have access to financing, training, and market linkages, ensuring that farmers had the resources needed to adopt solar technology.
Founded on the belief that climate change can be addressed at the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship, KCIC has been at the forefront of supporting innovative climate change solutions in Agriculture, Water, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, and Commercial Forestry. This program is no different. The DREEM Hub is premised on two sectors that are pivotal in the climate space, Energy and Agriculture.
