A Solar Story

From Darkness to Light

Olobelibel village was living in darkness. Families relied on smoky, kerosene lamps. Children struggled to study in the evenings, and livestock were left vulnerable to predators at night.

Then came a turning point.

Through the Climate Smart Villages Project, EnkaKenya Sidai Initiative partnered with PFP African Trust to make solar energy affordable.

Using the PFP ‘handshakes not handout’ model, families contributed 3,000 Kenyan Shillings (KSh), while PFP matched the amount. Together, they raised the full KSh 6,000 needed for each solar kit.

This decision lit up 150 households.

Through this initiative everything changed:

• Security was restored

• Children could do their homework at night

• Families stopped using kerosene, cutting household emissions.

• Women found new ways to earn income, like charging neighbours’ phones for 20 shillings each.

For the first time, the entire village glowed with light.

Today, Olobelibel stands as a shining example of what’s possible when communities and partners work together.

For Olobelibel, this wasn’t just solar power. It was a new beginning.

This project was so impactful that EnkaKenya Sidai Initiative was elected to represent the whole county in a Locally Led Climate Action.

But more families still live in darkness.

Together we can transform lives - one solar kit at a time.