Kenyans in the country’s capital Nairobi are being taught new skills.
With soldering irons in hand they’re making solar-powered lamps from diodes, fuses, bulbs and solar panels.
The idea for this project came from an environmentalist in Switzerland.
[Joshiah Ramogi, Solar Project Coordinator]:
“It has been developed with a very simple technology, easy to understand and everybody can use this. It has been tested in different parts of the world; in Nicaragua, in Philippines, in Switzerland and also in Kenya.”
Many of those working here live in Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums, and they rely on Kerosene-fuelled lanterns.
By using a renewable and clean source of energy some of the apprentices here see themselves as having a brighter future.
[Ruth Maina, Apprentice Technician]:
“Some of the people who don’t have electricity, it is good if they use these solar lamps because the kerosene lamps that most of them use at home are kind of a health hazard. But most of us don’t know, and it will promote a healthy living and a healthy life to them.”
The lamps take three hours to charge and can provide light for around the same amount of time.
In December, the lamps will go on sale for around 45 U.S dollars, providing a source of income for apprentices like Robert.
[Robert Ogolla, Apprentice Technician]:
“I have been engaging myself in assembling and selling the solar panels, hence getting something for a living. Also after acquiring the knowledge, maybe I could pass it to my colleagues.”
The country relies heavily on hydroelectric power.
But due to drought, it’s led to power cuts and the country is looking to increase its more renewable sources of cleaner energy.
Source – http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_me/2009-08-27/506920067170.html
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Good post! I think that time for adopting green energy sources has arrived.