Markets & Finance

Kenyan solar company wins global grant

LAMP

Givewatts supplies solar powered lamps to schools that are not connected to the national grid in Laikipia. PHOTO | FILE

Kenya-based Global Shapers Initiative is among nine companies that will receive the Abraaj Growth Markets Grant. It was chosen from a global pool of 178 firms.

The grant targets organisations that offer unique solutions to communities in emerging markets.

The local branch of a global organisation led by Michael Ng’ang’a won in the energy and infrastructure category.

Global Shapers supplies solar powered lamps to schools that are not connected to the national grid in Laikipia.

Private equity firm Abraaj said it expects uplifting of student grades and health after switchover to solar from kerosene lamps.

“Goals include improved grades of students, improved health of households, savings on kerosene expenditure and savings on mobile charging. The long-term hope is to impact more households in rural Kenya...” said Abraaj in a statement.