In a quiet village in Western Kenya, where electricity was a luxury for the few, a young boy found himself captivated by the glow of a single solar panel—the only source of power in his area. That boy, Paul Simiyu, now 39, has grown into an accomplished engineer and advocate for sustainable energy.
“I grew up with no electricity,” recalls Mr Simiyu. “The only way we accessed clean energy at the time was through car batteries and rudimentary solar modules. That drove me to study mechanical engineering, with a focus on energy, to understand why energy is so expensive and inaccessible for ordinary people.”
This curiosity led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, specialising in energy systems. His inspiration came from witnessing the transformative impact of a single solar system in his village.
“I wanted to be part of the solution to energy problems, particularly for rural communities,” he explains.
Deep expertise
Mr Simiyu began his career in 2010 at Chloride Exide as a technical service engineer in renewable energy. Three years later, he joined Solar Century, a UK-based firm, as their regional business development assistant manager. These roles deepened his expertise in solar technology.
“I gained practical experience, technical knowledge, and even received training in the UK. This allowed me to engage more meaningfully with renewable energy technologies,” he says.
His journey continued at Fond Roche Lighting, a French company where he focused on using solar technology to illuminate public spaces.
“We researched how to use solar to light up towns, cities, and public spaces affordably, with zero bills for some time. It involved advancements in battery technology, solar panel systems, and lighting design,” he shares.
Pursuit of knowledge
To further his knowledge, Mr Simiyu pursued a Master’s degree in Strategic Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
He later enrolled in a Master’s programme in Sustainable Energy Transition Systems at Strathmore University in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen, from which he expects to graduate in June.
Additionally, he is a certified electrical installer with the International Electrical Testing Association and a top technician in renewable energy under the Energy and Petroleum Regulation Authority.
“These trainings have equipped me to contribute to the shift from fossil-based energy to sustainable solutions,” he notes. “The world is increasingly focused on climate and environmental issues, making sustainable energy essential.”
Addresing misconceptions
Mr Simiyu’s work has also addressed misconceptions about renewable energy in Kenya.
Paul Simiyu, managing director of Sentimental Energy, during an interview at his office in Nairobi on November 19, 2024.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
“Many believe all electricity consumed in Kenya is from unsustainable sources, yet about 83 percent comes from renewables like hydro, geothermal, wind, and solar. The challenge lies in poor information, financing barriers, and inadequate technical expertise,” he says.
Biggest achievements
Among his proudest achievements is his contribution to street lighting projects. Collaborating with the Kenya National Highways Authority and Kenya Urban Roads Authority, he helped standardise solar-powered street lighting.
“We converted the Mombasa Southern Bypass and Dongo Kundu Road into fully solar-powered highways,” he says with pride.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr Simiyu finds fulfilment in farming. On his small farm in Trans Nzoia County, he grows sugarcane and keeps dairy cows. In Nairobi, he rears chickens for local and semi-commercial purposes.
“In life, you have to be a jack of all trades. Monotony stifles creativity,” he reflects. A devoted family man and father of three, he also places great importance on his faith. “I love my God so much. I spend good time with Him.”
Affordability and accessibility
For Mr Simiyu, sustainable energy is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it is about affordability and accessibility.
“If we can develop financing instruments to help the masses access sustainable electricity, we can solve 70 percent of the challenges in adapting to renewable energy while contributing to environmental sustainability,” he asserts.”