We are women engineers, technicians, trainers and entrepreneurs working in Renewable Energy in Kenya

WISEe builds the technical capacity of eligible women to provide high quality Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems in the East African region. We do this through:

  • Technical training and mentoring
  • Providing hands-on installation experience
  • Fostering business spirit to transform them into successful entrepreneurs

We are based in Nairobi and spreading into Eastern Africa

  • We have worked in Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Makueni, Migori, Samburu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties and looking to expanding to the remaining 39 counties of Kenya
  • In addition, we have conducted trainings on the Solar Pumping Irrigation Systems ToolBox (SPIS) in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and Malawi

Some of the WISEe Founder Members in Kenya.

WISEe has over time gained experience in conducting training for solar PV technicians and for those who have interest to be solar PV trainers. Since 2015 when the founder members received training from a Vocational Technical Training  program (VOCTEC) conducted by Arizona State University (ASU) funded by USAID and organized by Strathmore University Energy Research Center(SERC), WISEe has steadily trained women in the designing, installation, operation and maintenance of solar PV systems in Kenya

In 2017, several WISEe members have received awards including:

  • The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Energy Professional Development Award – Sub- Sahara Africa
  • Top 40 Under 40 Women Award
  • Women In Energy Awards, Kenya, Best Student Award,
  • Women in Energy, Kenya, Professional (Technical) Award

 

To date WISEe has accomplished the following:

  • 3 Solar PV Training of Trainers (TOT)
  • 4 Solar PV Technician Trainings
  • 4 Solar Powered Irrigation Systems ToolBox (SPIS TB) Trainings
  • 113 Solar Suitcase systems installed in Kajiado, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Samburu, Tharaka Nithi and Migori Counties of Kenya.

 

This has resulted in:

  • Over 10 women solar technicians licensed by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority of Kenya (EPRA)
  • Over 80 Solar PV women trainers and technicians trained in Kenya
  • 120 solar water pumping practitioners trained on the SPIS ToolBox in Kenya, Ghana Uganda and Malawi
  • 8,000 beneficiaries accessing clean lighting, phone charging and laptop charging services from the solar PV systems in Kenya

The demand for Solar PV technical skills has been on the rise due to the steady growth Kenyan market over the last decade. This has set the country apart globally as a leading investment destination in renewable energy.

Kenya’s Solar PV Systems Regulations of 2012 require that all persons installing solar PV shall be licensed. The main aim is to ensure safety, functionality and long life of systems. However, the number of certified women technicians has been on average 2% – 6% compared to their male counterparts. For example, in mid-2019, out of about 300 certified technicians, only 19 were female.

WISEe builds the capacity of like-minded women to close the huge gender gap