Ranguma calls on Kisumu real estate developers to embrace solar technology

KISUMU, KENYA: Governor Jack Ranguma on Tuesday launched Mobisol’s flagship store in Kisumu in a bid to tap into the rural market with off-grid solar systems.

Ranguma said the launch affirms success of solar public-private partnerships, which benefit the community as a whole. He urged the public to consider solar energy to help save on energy related expenditure for an improved lifestyle.

“The biggest household expenditure of rural communities is kerosene. Additionally, with the growth of the real estate market in the country, I would like to urge contractors to consider installing solar panels, which are a clean, safe and renewable energy source,” said Ranguma.

“This will not only help communities save on energy, but the diverse products create a source of income. For example, Kisumu fans of football can now enjoy watching matches on  large solar powered television, while charging their phones,” said Ranguma.

Mobisol is a German company which combines solar energy with an affordable payment plan via mobile phone.

Speaking during the launch event, Mobisol's East Africa’s CEO Henrik Axelsson noted that the company has invested heavily in innovation and research to enable customers’ access to high-quality products and a comprehensive user experience, citing the reliability and consistency of German technology over the years.

 “Rural communities in Kenya continue to use unreliable fossil fuels like kerosene, which are not only harmful to the environment and people’s health but are also costly to maintain - yet, solar energy is in abundance. Through Mobisol’s top-notch innovative technology, off-grid households in Kenya can finally afford solar systems that are of high quality and powerful enough to meet their entire household and business needs. Kenyans can now enjoy a modern, comfortable lifestyle, improve their economic well-being and at the same time set new standards for worldwide sustainability,” said Axelsson.

The company, which retails directly to customers, services over 70,000 households in Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, with plans to open additional 20 stores in Kenya in 2017.