Solar Kiosk Kenya Ltd. has installed a retail kiosk, called the solar kiosk e-hub in the arid Lake Magadi region, Kajiado of Southern Kenya. The e-hub is a modular solar-powered structure that can be easily implemented in remote communities with no electricity grid. The kiosks soon to be manufactured in Kenya are assembled locally with parts being brought in from Germany.
Solar Kiosk Kenya Ltd. has installed a retail kiosk, called the solar kiosk e-hub in the arid Lake Magadi region, Kajiado of Southern Kenya. The e-hub is a modular solar-powered structure that can be easily implemented in remote communities with no electricity grid. The kiosks soon to be manufactured in Kenya are assembled locally with parts being brought in from Germany.
The e-hub outlet enables and empowers local entrepreneurship and the sustainable development of Base-of-the-Pyramid (BOP) communities by selling essential food ingredients, vital energy services, solar and clean energy products and connectivity solutions. By the end of 2015, Solar Kiosk will have implemented over 100 e-hubs in three continents.
A solar kiosk e-hub is a solar-powered autonomous business hub which uses solar power to generate electricity for rural off-grid communities for various uses. It is a decentralized, easy to maintain source of energy. Kiosk operators are able to use the power during the day and continue operating late into the night.
Solar Kiosk Kenya Ltd manages operations in Kenya and uses a business model that enables a local entrepreneur to sell solar products and provide solar powered services to their community. It is a commercial enterprise which stations solar-powered units in Kenya’s remote and urban areas, thus creating a social, environmental and economical impact.
The2kw e-hub in Olkiramatian installed in 2013 generates electricity capable of powering electronic equipments, phone charging, barber and photocopy services. The e-hub sells a wide range of solar products as well as energy efficient cook stoves, farm waste charcoal briquettes and other sustainable goods. The kiosks are also equipped with internet services. Currently, there are 23 solar kiosk e-hubs in Kenya offering not only services to thousands of Kenyans but also employment to many locals.
In 2010, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) undertook a Lighting Assessment study which showed that 34 million out of the country’s population 40.5 million people are not connected to the grid. This may slightly increase but indicates the need for efficient off grid systems particularly in rural areas. Globally, 1.5 billion people live without electricity access. Some 800 million are in Africa. Unsustainable and dirty fuels provide much of their energy despite abundant sunshine.
