High power costs drive millions of Kenyans to solar

Cheaper solar PV and batteries have bolstered the case for self-generated solar. [iStockphoto]

Kenyans have bought over 7.5 million solar power devices in the last decade as they seek to curb reliance on State electricity retailer, Kenya Power.

Official data shows that in addition to utility-scale projects, there has been an explosion in the installation of solar photo-voltaic systems for commercial and industrial use as Kenyans search for affordable and steady power alternatives away from the national grid.